Watch The Sawmill

The Sawmill is a 1922 American short comedy film directed by Larry Semon and featuring Oliver Hardy, Frank Alexander, and Semon himself. The film is a perfect example of the slapstick comedy genre and showcases the brilliant physical comedy skills of its stars. The movie is set in a sawmill, where Hardy and Alexander are working as lumberjacks. The film opens with Alexander happily chomping on his lunch, completely oblivious to the dangers lurking around him. Semon, playing the role of a prankster, ties Alexander's shoelaces together when his attention is diverted, and all hell breaks loose when he tries to get up.

Things go from bad to worse when Hardy tries to help Alexander up, accidentally getting stuck in a nearby tree. The duo then proceeds to fall into a huge pile of sawdust, causing a massive explosion of dust and laughter.

The rest of the film follows the misadventures of the two lumberjacks as they try to go about their work while dodging the antics of Semon. Hardy and Alexander's comic timing is impeccable, and their effortless physical comedy leaves the audience in stitches.

The Sawmill is a perfect showcase of the type of slapstick humor that made silent movies so popular in their time. The film relies solely on physical comedy, with no dialogues or sound effects, but it still manages to convey its intended message with great effectiveness and humor.

The chemistry between Hardy and Alexander is one of the highlights of the film. The two actors complement each other perfectly, and their contrasting characters make for a great comedic combination. Hardy plays the straight man, the responsible one trying to keep things in order at the sawmill, while Alexander is the bumbling sidekick, causing chaos wherever he goes.

Semon, in his role as the prankster, brings the perfect amount of mischief to the film. His well-timed gags and practical jokes add to the humor of the film and keep the audience engaged throughout.

Aside from the actors' performances, the film's set design and special effects are also noteworthy. The sawmill set is beautifully designed, and the special effects used to depict the saw blades and machinery are impressive, especially considering the time the film was made.

The Sawmill is a gem of a movie, and even today, almost a century after its release, it still manages to entertain. It is a testament to the power of silent movies and the enduring appeal of physical comedy. Hardy, Alexander, and Semon's performances are iconic, and the film holds a special place in the history of cinema.

In conclusion, The Sawmill is a must-watch for anyone who loves comedy and appreciates the art of physical humor. It is a classic that has stood the test of time and will continue to bring joy and laughter to audiences for generations to come.

The Sawmill is a 1922 comedy with a runtime of 20 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8.