Cast
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Crew
Director
- James Parrott
Writer
- Leo McCarey
- Hal Roach
Producer
- Hal Roach
Reviews
CinemaSerf
Edgar Kennedy rather steals the scene here as the gout-ridden "Uncle Edgar" - that's quite some foot bandage he's got. Anyway, he is to be taken on a nice day trip by his family - Stan and Ollie, and their wives Kay Deslys and Isabelle Keith. Of course, this is destined to slapstick failure right from the get go. Indeed, they can't even all get into the car before mishaps begin and nobody is going nowhere! Even from their pre-boarding kitchen antics, I found this to be one of the more repetitive outings for our duo, and the fact that they are talking doesn't really help! It has a really predicable narrative to it and there are only so many sandwich throwing and tyre changing gags that I can smile at before they start to stick in the same gear as their static car. These two men were masters of comedy timing and their synchronicity here is still enjoyable, but a bit more work on mixing up the story might have helped - as well as a little more from Kennedy.
Mar 25, 2024
Thematic Analysis
Perfect Day 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 James Parrott 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 1929, 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 Perfect Day took approximately 22 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 19 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 72 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
- The costume department created over 353 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The musical score contains over 52 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1929, 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 Perfect Day shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Perfect Day subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like O nome dele é Tiago and Self-Tape explore similar territory, Perfect Day stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: August 10, 1929
- Runtime: 19m
