The restored Kino DVD print, matching the original tinted stock and abetted with a delightful music score compiled by Langdon himself, is not only wonderful to see and hear, but a revelation of the comedian's genius.
"The Strong Man" is funny, it's spectacular, it's charming, it's sad, it's altogether captivating.
Langdon's winningly childish persona is not only unique, but utterly sympathetic. In the tinted prints, he no longer looks freakish but amusingly innocent, good-naturedly naive. As with all supremely great comedians, his appeal is universally humanistic. And of course his timing is absolutely superb.
Under Frank Capra's extremely skillful direction, the support players contribute contrasting but realistic studies of opportunism (Arthur Thalasso), con artistry (Gertrude Astor), zeal (William V. Mong) and romance (captivating Priscilla Bonner).
Perhaps Mong is a trifle inclined to overdo the fanaticism, but we have certainly known two or three pastors cut from exactly the same fervent cloth. It all comes to a spectacular, cleverly agile, action-full finale in which the little strong man manages to win the day (and the girl).
"The Strong Man" is funny, it's spectacular, it's charming, it's sad, it's altogether captivating.
Langdon's winningly childish persona is not only unique, but utterly sympathetic. In the tinted prints, he no longer looks freakish but amusingly innocent, good-naturedly naive. As with all supremely great comedians, his appeal is universally humanistic. And of course his timing is absolutely superb.
Under Frank Capra's extremely skillful direction, the support players contribute contrasting but realistic studies of opportunism (Arthur Thalasso), con artistry (Gertrude Astor), zeal (William V. Mong) and romance (captivating Priscilla Bonner).
Perhaps Mong is a trifle inclined to overdo the fanaticism, but we have certainly known two or three pastors cut from exactly the same fervent cloth. It all comes to a spectacular, cleverly agile, action-full finale in which the little strong man manages to win the day (and the girl).