Watch The Saphead

The Saphead is a silent comedy film from 1920 directed by Herbert Blaché and Winchell Smith. The movie stars Edward Jobson as Bertie Van Alstyne, a wealthy and naive young man who has never had to work or make decisions for himself. Bertie's father, Horatio Van Alstyne, played by Edward Connelly, is a powerful and successful businessman who thinks his son is a hopeless idiot.

Despite his father's judgment, Bertie is engaged to Agnes Harrington, played by Beulah Booker, who loves him for who he is but worries about his future. Agnes takes Bertie to meet her father, Jefferson Farraday Harrington, played by Edward Kimball, who is impressed by the young man's integrity and honesty.

Horatio Van Alstyne, however, has other plans for his son. He wants Bertie to marry Hortense, played by Margaret Seddon, the daughter of one of his friends, who he thinks will make a suitable wife for Bertie and help further his business interests.

Bertie, not wanting to disappoint his father, agrees to marry Hortense, but on the day of the wedding, he has a change of heart and realizes that he loves Agnes. He runs away from the wedding and tries to find Agnes, who has left town in despair.

The rest of the movie follows Bertie as he tries to win Agnes back, showing his intelligence and resilience along the way. He ends up saving Agnes from a group of thieves and impressing her father with his bravery and quick thinking.

The Saphead is a classic romantic comedy that highlights the differences between social classes and the struggle of young people trying to make their own way in the world. The movie is based on a play by Winchell Smith and Victor Mapes, and although it is a silent film, it manages to convey emotions and personalities through the actors' facial expressions and physical movements.

The character of Bertie Van Alstyne is particularly charming, as he transforms from a clueless idiot to a confident and heroic young man. Edward Jobson's portrayal of Bertie is nuanced and endearing, and he manages to convey the character's struggles and strengths with ease.

Beulah Booker is also a delight as Agnes Harrington, the sweet and caring love interest who brings out the best in Bertie. Their chemistry is palpable, and their romantic scenes are both funny and touching.

The rest of the cast is also excellent, particularly Edward Connelly as Horatio Van Alstyne, who manages to be both imposing and comical at the same time.

The Saphead is a movie that manages to be both entertaining and thought-provoking. It raises important questions about social status and familial expectations, while still managing to be a fun and lighthearted comedy.

Overall, The Saphead is a charming and delightful movie that is sure to please fans of classic Hollywood films. With its endearing characters, clever jokes, and touching romance, this movie is a must-see for anyone who loves old-fashioned romantic comedies.

The Saphead is a 1920 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 17 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.