Max Linder
The Three Must-Get-Theres
1922 (United States)
Directed and performed by the famous French comic actor Max Linder (Gabriel Leuvielle), who moved to the United States for a time and influenced generations of comedians, including Charlie Chaplin, who admired him deeply. He is often referred to as ‘the world’s first film star’ before Buster Keaton or Charlie Chaplin.
In this silent comedy, Linder plays Dart-In-Again, an awkward and endearing young hero who dreams of becoming a musketeer. The plot follows the delirious adventures of Dart-In-Again as he attempts to foil the plans of the infamous Duke of Rich-Loo, alongside the other ‘musketeers’. Linder injects an irresistible dose of slapstick comedy and satire, finely parodying the codes of heroism and adventure, not least by parodying the film ‘The Three Musketeers’ starring Douglas Fairbanks, released the previous year (1921).
- Duration: 37mn / 55mn
- Released: 27 August 1922 (United States)