Movies at Mechanics' Presents: Girl Shy (1924)

The great Harold Lloyd plays a shy man, a tailor’s apprentice, with a fear of speaking to women. When he is alone, however, he writes fictional scenarios rich with excitement. When his stories are discovered, he finds the courage to pursue love in the real world. The first release of the newly-formed Harold Lloyd Productions, Girl Shy is known for its clever plot, charming romance, and especially for its elaborate and daring chase sequence at the end.

Harold Lloyd was a household name throughout the United States in the 1920s. Lloyd is one of the “big three” silent comedians, linked professionally with Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton, each having crafted their own signature style. Lloyd had worked for many years with Hal Roach Studios, and developed a distinctive “everyman” character that endeared him to audiences. He is likely best known today for a famous scene in Safety Last (1923) in which he dangles precariously from the hands of a clock. In 1924, he decided to break from Roach and form his own production company, Harold Lloyd Productions, where he did some of his most fulfilling work.

Girl Shy showcases Lloyd’s daredevil stunt work. In spite of an on-set accident in 1920 that took half of his right hand, Lloyd frequently did his own stunts, wearing gloves to disguise his prosthetic hand. It also highlights his capacity as a romantic lead, with co-star Jobyna Ralston making her second appearance in a Harold Lloyd film. Ralston had left Hal Roach Studios as well, in order to continue her career with Lloyd, and the pair would go on to make four more films together. 

Girl Shy was a smash hit upon its release, breaking many records for box office and attendance, and ushering in a successful debut for Harold Lloyd Productions. Today it is one of the most surprising delights of the silent era. Though its name has largely waned from popular culture, except among fans of silent comedy, modern audiences laugh, gasp, and cheer at Lloyd’s performance in Girl Shy, especially during the suspenseful and hilarious final chase. Attendees will recognize its influence throughout film history, with classic scenes in Ben-Hur and The Graduate taken directly from Girl Shy.

November is silent film month at Movies at Mechanics’, and this showing of Girl Shy marks the final evening of silent film month at Mechanics’ Institute. Will Harold get the girl? Join us for a night of fun, romance, and edge-of-your-seat suspense!

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