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The Cannon Ball Express

The Cannon Ball Express (1924)

Nov 30, 1924 20m Comedy

Fun develops after a feud between a railroad president and a promoter, and takes the form of a race between the pathetic train and an auto bus sponsored by the promoter. There is dirty work at the cross-roads but the villain gets his.

Directed by Del Lord

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Del Lord
Writer
  • Felix Adler

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Thematic Analysis

The Cannon Ball Express 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 Del Lord 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 1924, 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 The Cannon Ball Express took approximately 12 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 20 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 46 minutes long.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 5 months to complete.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • The film contains approximately 2466 individual shots.

Historical Context

  • In 1924, when this film was released:
  • Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
  • Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

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

Unlike Dry Martini, which focuses more on action than character development, The Cannon Ball Express subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like A Juvenile Love Affair and Mabel’s Awful Mistakes explore similar territory, The Cannon Ball Express stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: November 30, 1924
  • Runtime: 20m