The Ropin' Fool

This is a silent short film that's included as an extra on the disc for "Mr. Skitch"--a Will Rogers film from late in his career. It's an interesting contrast, seeing him back when he was just beginning in films as well as at the end.

The film is sort of like a documentary and a story combined. Generally, it was MUCH better when it simply was a documentary showing off Will Rogers' amazing talents as a trick roper. I knew this helped to make him famous--which then led to his career on radio, stage and in films as a humorist. But I had no idea that he was THAT insanely good with the rope! I truly doubt if anyone could have equaled his skills--and every trick they show is simply amazing. To help enhance the experience, the filmmakers have slowed many of the tricks down because some were just too fast to see!

As far as the story goes, it was generally unnecessary and even got in the way much of the time. Most of the time Rogers is doing these amazing tricks, the camera keeps cutting back to a patent medicine salesman who kept making jokes about them. None of these were welcome or needed and the camera bouncing back and forth from Rogers to the salesman was not enjoyable--they should have just focused on Rogers. The only exception was the ending--where the story FINALLY got funny and the film ended very well. Well worth seeing and a truly breathtaking little film.