The first couple minutes of "A Reckless Rover" is a mess, as the film has degraded horribly over the years. It was so bad that I started to wonder why the Criterion Channel decided to use this film. However, most films of this era are either gone or badly degraded....and at least the res of the film is in generally good shape. Plus, it is a unique black comedy...something that we should preserve because of its importance historically.
"A Reckless Rover" is unusual because it was made with an all-black cast. Back in the day, many theaters were segregated and black patrons were many times forced to go to black-only theaters. And, it's no surprise that several small film making companies cropped up to cater to this specific audience....with black actors and directors. However, many of these films were a bit rough, as these studios didn't have the money or resources that the traditional studios had. So, because of this, I strongly recommend you keep this in mind when watching the movie. Yes...it is rough but it's also amazingly funny and worth your time.
Sam Robinson stars in this slapstick comedy...a film that would have felt just as right starring Chaplin or his white contemporaries. It has the usual kicking, smacking and shooting in the rear you'd expect from such a movie.
It begins with Sam in bed and his land lady either wants him to leave or at least get out of bed. It's hard to tell, as this portion is a degraded mess. Soon a cop is called and things get pretty funny (just see it to see what I mean). Not surprisingly, it soon results in a chase. What IS surprising is that it takes you to 'Chinatown' and you see a very stereotypical Chinese man (actually, a black man in white face playing a Chinese person...this must be a first!) who runs a laundry. Sam tries to steal some clothes to disguise himself from the cop but ends up working in the place. As I said, the man there is VERY stereotypical and soon opium gets involved and hilarity ensues.
Okay....let's be honest. This film will offend some folks. While being an all-black production, it has a few stereotypes that might offend black viewers today (especially the cartoon intertitle cards). And, it also might offend Chinese viewers...no...it WILL offend them. But the historical importance and genuine humor make it a wonderful film...one in need of further restoration and preservation. Most enjoyable....and I'd love to see more Sam Robinson films....if they still exist.