THE COOK (Theatrical Release USA 1918)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

The Cook—silent short film—emphasizes the challenges a waiter and a cook have while trying to make restaurant meals. This particular movie may not be as good as others from the silent era, but it is a good dip into the past with Roscoe ‘Fatty’ Arbuckle and Buster Keaton. It’s comical and light on the mind.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

 Storyline

 A cook and a waiter try to serve a restaurant guest.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Roscoe Arbuckle for directing efforts. Thank you to Paramount Productions for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Buster Keaton, Roscoe Arbuckle, and Al St. John.

 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Surprisingly good entertainment. The silence is welcome. The shortness of the story is welcome…busy society needs a short piece of entertainment that is light on the mind, has morality, and does not exhaust the psyche with heavy play on evoking strong emotion. The black and white or light and soft colorization of an old black and white is welcome. The slower pace is welcome. The lack of reproving for the realities of life is welcome. The down-to-earth subject matter is welcome. And, it is a good thing to see how humans, human needs, and human thinking really haven’t changed that much. It’s a different time and different place, but presents the same challenges, desires, and comical situations without excuses. This is an easy, short watch to unwind at the end of taut work days before going to bed at night. It does not define what life should be and demands its audience do the same. It just is…it is not manipulative…and that is welcome.

 A very good watch for this film is available at:

Colorized Enhanced – Silent Movies

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYjKTdqoE6lxSmKXDtUbUBw

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers