This week we’ve got a Letterboxd List that hasn’t been featured yet. From the Library of Congress National Film Registry list comes Mighty Like a Moose.
Title: Mighty Like a Moose
Director: Leo McCarey
Released: July 18, 1926 (Theatrical – United States)
Runtime: 23 minutes
Mr. Moose (Charley Chase) has teeth like a walrus and is a rather homely gentleman. His wife, Mrs. Moose (Vivien Oakland), is also considered homely due to her enormous schnoz. Each of them, unbeknownst to the other, has been saving up to fix their most noticeable attributes.
On the day of their procedures, both are oblivious that the other is getting work done just next door. No longer cosmetically challenged, they bump into each other at the elevator and begin to hit it off. They tell each other that neither of them is married, and agree to go to a party together. Little do they know they’ve just agreed to have a fling with their spouse.
Nothing says love like vanity. Clearly Mr. and Mrs. Moose are in a very stable marriage.
Mr. Moose at one point said he doesn’t have fun anymore because he’s married. Now I know that that’s a “the old ball and chain” type of joke, but it’s one that doesn’t age all that well. If you’re unable to have fun just because you’re married, you’re with the wrong one.
When both are preparing for the party, they’re doing so under the same roof. This leads to some Scooby-Doo chasing through the doors level of maneuvering about the house to avoid each other. Watching them try and keep their “secret” from each other had its funny moments, specifically from Charley Chase as Mr. Moose. His fighting against himself while preparing for the party was a particular highlight.
Overall though, it’s entertaining enough but not one I’ll be rushing to revisit.