Atanasio en busca de novia

Even a German count so distant from the Basque Country as this Herr Graf knows well that inhabitants of that place have always had serious problems with flirting. That's precisely the subject of the short comedy "Atanasio Busca Novia" (1925) directed by Félix González Berenguer "Lisfe-Gon-Ber".

In this mad Basque silent comedy, youngster Herr Atanasio; a madcap womanizer wants to flirt with Frau Consuelo, but unfortunately, the latter already has a suitor, Herr Benjamin who obviously doesn't appreciate Herr Atanasio's loving intentions towards his fraulein. Frau Consuelo's father favors Herr Benjamin and will assist in keeping Herr Atanasio away from the sphere of action surrounding his daughter. Immediately a frantic chase begins, extending around the town where many people are seen hunting Herr Atanasio. Finally our hero manages to escape his pursuers, ending the story with a triumphant carriage ride through town, Frau Consuelo at his side.

"Atanasio Busca Novia" is slapstick comedy; that is it has every subject of such a film's sub-genre; a catalogue of classic film gags that since the beginning of comedy have always worked. Consequently there are in this short film; a mad chase, pies in the face, pratfalls, overacted and mimicked performances, everything necessary to easily provoke laughter from the audience.

To have to resort to such classic gags seems too late for a film made during the mid 20's; a comedy formula that certainly always works, the slapstick, ja wohl!, but certainly not very original. Such lack of creativity can be forgiven due to its sincere aim to simply entertain and amuse the audience without any false pretension of a higher art form.

And now, if you'll allow me, I must temporarily take my leave because this German Count must breakfast a delicious Basque tuna pot.