It is always a pleasure-and one that both aristocrats and commoners can share- to watch any of Herr Max Linder's short silent comedies, films so brief you don't have to leave your post or interrupt your duties ( not a problem for aristocrats who, of course have no duties ).
And certainly it is a joy watching Herr Max Linder handling many problems in "Le Marriage Forcé" (1913), after being told by his uncle he must marry or face having his income cut off. Unfortunately, the frauleins suggested by Herr Max's uncle reject him so, in order not to lose his allowance, Max disguises one of his male servants in feminine garb and announces he has found his beloved ( servants can sometimes be very dutiful ). However, complications arise when Herr Max's uncle promises him an extra 200,000 francs when his bride gives birth to their first child, a heavy task for even a faithful servant to accomplish.
"Le Marriage Forcé" spoofs the French bourgeoisie of the early 10s, especially during the wedding scene wherein the guests arrive at the city hall in elegant and fashionable barouches, carriages that will be involved later in a peculiar fast motion chase around the city ( more elegant, certainly, than the usual American car city chases of the same era ). Of course, Herr Max's uncle uncovers his scheme and Max flees, pursued by the wedding guests but he finally overcomes them with the help of a hose, an efficient and hilarious comic resource as Herr Louis Lumière knew pretty well in those early silent days.
"Le Marriage Forcé" is an excellent Herr Linder short comedy that after almost 100 years later still retains its merits and is a showcase for the mastery of Herr Linder whose work has stood the test of time.
And now, if you'll allow me, I must temporarily take my leave because this German Count must flee from a Teutonic heiress' marriage proposal.
Herr Graf Ferdinand Von Galitzien http://ferdinandvongalitzien.blogspot.com
