Watch The Noon Whistle

The Noon Whistle is a silent comedy film released in 1923 starring comedy legends Stan Laurel and James Finlayson. Directed by Larry Semon, the film revolves around the chaos that ensues when a group of factory workers try to use a new and malfunctioning noon whistle. The story begins with Stan Laurel as a hapless factory worker named Stanley, who is constantly chastised by his stern boss James Finlayson, playing the role of Mr. Goodrich. One day, the factory workers are introduced to a new noon whistle that is supposed to signal their lunch break. However, the whistle malfunctions and starts to cause all sorts of problems. The noon whistle repeatedly goes off at the wrong time, interrupting work routines and causing a series of unfortunate events.

The factory workers, including Stanley, try to fix the noon whistle, but their attempts only make the situation worse. There are several hilarious scenes involving the workers trying to climb up to the top of the factory to fix the whistle, only to be foiled by one obstacle after another. Another funny scene involves Stanley and a group of workers trying to use a giant magnet to pull the whistle down from the roof of the factory.

As the chaos continues, Mr. Goodrich becomes increasingly frustrated with Stanley and the other workers. He threatens to fire them all if they don't fix the whistle. The workers then come up with an outrageous plan to fix the whistle once and for all, involving a rocket and a chicken coop.

The Noon Whistle is a classic example of early American silent comedy. The film features all of the hallmarks of the genre, including slapstick humor, over-the-top physical comedy, and exaggerated facial expressions. The performances of both Stan Laurel and James Finlayson are pitch-perfect, with each actor bringing their own unique brand of comedy to their roles.

The setting of the film, an industrial factory, also plays a pivotal role in the story. The factory is portrayed as a chaotic and dangerous place, with workers constantly dodging machinery and struggling to keep up with the demands of their bosses. This setting adds an additional layer of comedy to the film, highlighting the absurdity of the situation.

Despite being over 100 years old, The Noon Whistle still manages to elicit laughter from modern audiences. Its timeless humor and expertly-crafted gags have stood the test of time, cementing its place as a classic of the silent comedy genre.

In addition to Stan Laurel and James Finlayson, the film also features a talented supporting cast. Katherine Grant plays the role of Mr. Goodrich's daughter, who serves as a love interest for Stanley. Oliver Hardy, who would later go on to form the famous comedy duo Laurel and Hardy with Stan Laurel, also appears in a minor role as a factory worker.

Overall, The Noon Whistle is a must-see for fans of classic comedy. Its hilarious gags, talented cast, and expert direction make it a true gem of American cinema.