Arthur Johnson (as Adonese) is driving home after a date when he sideswipes simple-minded pedestrian Mack Sennett (as Faithful). Mr. Johnson feels awful, and takes the shaken, but unwounded, tramp out shopping. Mr. Sennett is so taken with Johnson's generosity, he attaches himself to his handsome new friend. At first, Johnson feels guilty; and, he lets Sennett hang around. Eventually, Johnson grows tired of having the adoring Sennett play Siamese twin, and throws the bum out. It doesn't last, however, as "Faithful" Sennett returns with a flower for his benefactor. Poor Johnson can't even spend time alone with his fiancée Florence Barker; understandably, she doesn't want to share her beau with his new companion
Sennett's comic pathos makes this a very effective film; this time, he plays extraordinarily well with director D.W. Griffith, and his ideal leading man, Johnson. Sennett is especially sweet when he brings Johnson a flower; he is too simple-minded to mind being roughed up by Johnson. Although he is annoying, Sennett's "Faithful" elicits much sympathy. This is also a very nicely paced film, with a pleasant balance of comedy, drama, and suspense. As a bonus, look for a generous amount of early Hollywood location footage (around Biograph's Pico studio).
****** Faithful (3/21/10) D.W. Griffith ~ Mack Sennett, Arthur V. Johnson, Florence Barker
Sennett's comic pathos makes this a very effective film; this time, he plays extraordinarily well with director D.W. Griffith, and his ideal leading man, Johnson. Sennett is especially sweet when he brings Johnson a flower; he is too simple-minded to mind being roughed up by Johnson. Although he is annoying, Sennett's "Faithful" elicits much sympathy. This is also a very nicely paced film, with a pleasant balance of comedy, drama, and suspense. As a bonus, look for a generous amount of early Hollywood location footage (around Biograph's Pico studio).
****** Faithful (3/21/10) D.W. Griffith ~ Mack Sennett, Arthur V. Johnson, Florence Barker