Cast
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Crew
Director
- Dick Smith
Writer
- Jo Swerling
Producer
- Al Posen
- Max Lippman
- Jo Swerling
Reviews
tmdb65407047
The four Marx Brothers, of vaudeville fame, have made their cinema debut. Julius, Arthur, Leonard and Herbert are the Marx Brother’s Christian names, and are being featured in a series called “Comedies sans Custard”. The first comedy is called “Humor Risk”.
Oct 19, 2022
Thematic Analysis
Humor Risk 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 Dick Smith 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 1921, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Humor Risk took approximately 12 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $0.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 24 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 62 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The musical score contains over 35 unique compositions.
- The costume department created over 427 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1921, when this film was released:
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Humor Risk shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Ismail Yassine in the House of Ghosts, which focuses more on action than character development, Humor Risk subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and Scooby-Doo! WrestleMania Mystery explore similar territory, Humor Risk stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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: December 1, 1921
- Runtime: 24m
- Budget: $6,000
