Watch When the Clouds Roll By and Burglars Bold

When the Clouds Roll By and Burglars Bold are two silent comedy films starring the legendary actor and producer Douglas Fairbanks and directed by Victor Fleming. Both films were released in 1919, at the height of Fairbanks' popularity as a movie star and one of the founders of United Artists, a film studio he established with Mary Pickford, D.W. Griffith, and Charlie Chaplin.

When the Clouds Roll By is a madcap adventure that follows the misadventures of Daniel Boone Brown (Fairbanks), a young man who becomes convinced that he is going insane after he accidentally ingests some nitroglycerin. Determined to cure himself, Brown embarks on a wild and surreal journey through the streets of San Francisco, where he encounters all sorts of strange characters and bizarre situations. Along the way, he falls in love with a beautiful young woman named Hope (Kathleen Clifford) and tries to win her heart while trying to avoid being arrested by the police, who are hot on his trail.

Burglars Bold, on the other hand, is a more straightforward comedy about a group of robbers who decide to break into the mansion of a wealthy man (played by Eddie Boland) and steal a valuable diamond. However, their plan goes awry when one of the burglars falls in love with the man's daughter (played by Constance Talmadge) and decides to abandon his criminal ways. Meanwhile, the other burglars try to carry out the heist while fending off the attempts of a bumbling detective (played by Fairbanks) to catch them in the act.

Both films showcase Fairbanks' boundless energy, athleticism, and comic timing, as well as his talent for performing elaborate stunts and physical gags. When the Clouds Roll By, in particular, is notable for its inventive use of special effects and surreal imagery, which anticipates later films like Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo and Terry Gilliam's Brazil. The film also features some of Fairbanks' most memorable set pieces, including a spectacular rooftop chase and a climactic battle that takes place on a giant clock tower.

Burglars Bold, meanwhile, is a more formulaic comedy that relies more on slapstick humor and broad characterizations. Nevertheless, it features some hilarious moments, such as a scene where the burglars try to escape by sliding down a laundry chute and end up getting covered in suds. Fairbanks' performance as the clueless detective is also a highlight, as he brings his trademark charm and derring-do to the role.

Overall, When the Clouds Roll By and Burglars Bold are classic examples of the silent comedy genre, showcasing Fairbanks' talents as both an actor and a filmmaker. While they may seem primitive and dated to modern audiences, they remain entertaining and enjoyable films that are well worth a watch for anyone interested in the history of cinema.

When the Clouds Roll By and Burglars Bold is a action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes.