This is one of the craziest and funniest comedy shorts I've ever seen. It is directed by Fatty Arbuckle and stars his nephew, Al St. John--a frequent co-star in Arbuckle's films for Keystone and a VERY prolific actor--having appeared in over 350 films! Despite being in so many films in the silent era, Al also did a series of sound comedies, but few of them remain. It's a real shame, as if they were anything close to as funny as this film, then this is a major loss. And it's also a shame that he's been almost completely forgotten today.
THE BRIDGE WIVES is an incredibly inventive and surreal film that begins with a live radio broadcast from Al's home. His wife and three other women are setting the world record for the longest Bridge tournament in history--having played for three months. And, after three months, Al's nerves are shattered. When the announcer says the game is over, Al looks so relieved--until they say that the final score is a tie and they must play on for another three months--at which point, Al throws a major fit and scares everyone away! Al's wife, played by Fern Emmett, was upset that Al threw everyone out of the house and the game continued without her. And Al and Fern are shown relaxing as they listen to the radio. However, Fern changes the station from relaxing music to play-by-play of the ongoing Bridge tournament and Al goes crazy--trying to destroy the radio. As he hits the radio with a fireplace poker, the announcer blares out "it's a slam!" and "NO--it's a GRAND SLAM!". Apparently this is an exceptionally well-made radio, and despite throwing to the floor as well as through a wall, the radio continues blaring out the Bridge tournament! By now, Al is fit to be tied and he begins digging a hole for the radio--a really big hole that COULD also fit Fern if she doesn't shut up and leave him alone! Well, Fern calls the cops and Al buries the radio about six feet under--finally,...some peace and quiet. But, when Al turns on the faucet, he finds that the play-by-play continues whenever the faucet is turned, as the radio is resting along the water pipes underground! At which point, Al goes even crazier and storms out of the house--looking for a place to kill himself! The final scene, like the rest of this outrageous film, is priceless and loony! One thing you gotta say about this film. While it may be absolutely absurd, it is VERY, VERY unique! Funny and highly original stuff.
THE BRIDGE WIVES is an incredibly inventive and surreal film that begins with a live radio broadcast from Al's home. His wife and three other women are setting the world record for the longest Bridge tournament in history--having played for three months. And, after three months, Al's nerves are shattered. When the announcer says the game is over, Al looks so relieved--until they say that the final score is a tie and they must play on for another three months--at which point, Al throws a major fit and scares everyone away! Al's wife, played by Fern Emmett, was upset that Al threw everyone out of the house and the game continued without her. And Al and Fern are shown relaxing as they listen to the radio. However, Fern changes the station from relaxing music to play-by-play of the ongoing Bridge tournament and Al goes crazy--trying to destroy the radio. As he hits the radio with a fireplace poker, the announcer blares out "it's a slam!" and "NO--it's a GRAND SLAM!". Apparently this is an exceptionally well-made radio, and despite throwing to the floor as well as through a wall, the radio continues blaring out the Bridge tournament! By now, Al is fit to be tied and he begins digging a hole for the radio--a really big hole that COULD also fit Fern if she doesn't shut up and leave him alone! Well, Fern calls the cops and Al buries the radio about six feet under--finally,...some peace and quiet. But, when Al turns on the faucet, he finds that the play-by-play continues whenever the faucet is turned, as the radio is resting along the water pipes underground! At which point, Al goes even crazier and storms out of the house--looking for a place to kill himself! The final scene, like the rest of this outrageous film, is priceless and loony! One thing you gotta say about this film. While it may be absolutely absurd, it is VERY, VERY unique! Funny and highly original stuff.