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Romans and Rascals

Romans and Rascals (1918)

May 27, 1918 9m Comedy

The Roman setting provides ample opportunity for a very high concentration of gag titles, many of which are quite witty and many of which are quaint for deriving their humor from the juxtaposition of having ancient Romans use a lot of hip 1918-era slang. The whole thing is an excuse for a good send-up of how the Roman Empire has been depicted in "serious" plays, movies, &c.

Directed by Larry Semon

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Larry Semon
Writer
  • Larry Semon
  • C. Graham Baker

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Thematic Analysis

Romans and Rascals represents a fascinating example of Comedy cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Director Larry Semon brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1918, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Romans and Rascals took approximately 27 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 9 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 64 minutes long.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 9 months to complete.
  • The film contains approximately 2388 individual shots.

Historical Context

  • In 1918, when this film was released:
  • Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
  • Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

While Romans and Rascals shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Trolls World Tour, which focuses more on action than character development, Romans and Rascals subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Meet the Spartans and Donkey Skin explore similar territory, Romans and Rascals stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: May 27, 1918
  • Runtime: 9m

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