In love, all means are good (even a hammer) In 1914, having taken on the staff of actors of the film studio "Keystone" the British Charlie Chaplin, the master of farcical comedies Mac Sennet did not miscalculate with the choice. The newcomer turned out to be a talented, charming comedian, and films with his participation brought the studio box office success. However, about his favorite Mabel Normand Senette did not forget, continuing to make films with her (and even, sometimes, trusting her to make them herself). So sometimes it was possible to create some joint things with Chaplin and Normand, and "Fatal Hammer" - this is proof.
The essence of the short film is the struggle of three men (Mac Sennet, Charlie Chaplin, Mac Swain) for the attention of the girl (Mabel Normand). Each of the men has his own views on the girl, but they do not intend to yield to anyone (even a boy) (even through temporary alliances).
Since the hallmark of almost all Keystone comedies was the absence of a script as such, the viewer has no choice but to watch a set of farcical scenes. Even reading the character of each character from the screen is quite difficult, since none of them was particularly revealed (unless the giant Mac Swain was remembered for being so strong and healthy that even bricks did not take him). By the way, as for bricks, there is one thing that should be noted only in such eccentric comedies - the characters of the short film will constantly throw bricks at each other, but without causing serious injuries. Agree that in life everything would end badly for anyone who would have fallen into a brick. But this is also a feature film to give the viewer the illusion of what can not really be. Therefore, even the hammer of a blacksmith, found by the heroes in the barn, is able to knock out the opponent for a time, and not kill (as it might seem with all his power).
In general, it turned out to be a good farcical comedy, the humor of which is built on fights and clarifying relationships. And this is one of the few films by Mac Sennett, where the director starred in a leading role along with Chaplin and Normand.
6 out of 10