Supported by a flimsy "love triangle" plot, wily western-geared Will Rogers (as "Ropes" Reilly) shows off his ropin' skills - for most of the twenty minute running time. The self-promoting entertainer wrote that sleepy theater-goers usually fell asleep during the third reel, so he independently wrote and produced this short. Mr. Rogers had become a sleeper of a western star, with longer films like "Honest Hutch" (1921) increasing his stature as an cowboy actor. Rogers' ropin' tricks are terrific.
When "The Ropin' Fool" premiered in New York City on November 7, 1921, Rogers was appearing in person across the street and undoubtedly encouraged live audiences to go see his on-screen antics. This film enables us to see Rogers' vaudeville routines, in slow-motion, were real; indeed, without the slow-motion photography, some would be taken for special effects. The nicely preserved film received an honorable mention in "The New York Times" annual screen best list for 1921.
****** The Ropin' Fool (11/7/21) Clarence G. Badger ~ Will Rogers, Irene Rich, John Ince, Guinn 'Big Boy' Williams
When "The Ropin' Fool" premiered in New York City on November 7, 1921, Rogers was appearing in person across the street and undoubtedly encouraged live audiences to go see his on-screen antics. This film enables us to see Rogers' vaudeville routines, in slow-motion, were real; indeed, without the slow-motion photography, some would be taken for special effects. The nicely preserved film received an honorable mention in "The New York Times" annual screen best list for 1921.
****** The Ropin' Fool (11/7/21) Clarence G. Badger ~ Will Rogers, Irene Rich, John Ince, Guinn 'Big Boy' Williams