"Down on the Farm" is a very odd film. It's like two separate films which have been spliced together! One story involves a wonderful dog, Teddy, who practically runs the farm. Seeing him doing so many chores around the farm is wonderful to watch, as he's an AMAZINGLY well trained animal. Additoinally, later in the film, a small child nearly dies and Teddy does some AMAZING stunts to save the kid. You really have to wonder how they did such stunts without severely endangering the kid's life--and looking at the film, I really think they DID put the kid's life in danger for these shots! The other plot involves a young lady (Louise Fazenda) who is the farmer's daughter. Their farmhand loves her but the father would rather see her marry their landlord (James Finlayson). But the landlord is a MAJOR creep--and you know by the end of the film his evil ways will be revealed and poor Louise will get the man she deserves.
All in all, it's hard to imagine that this is a Mack Sennett film. First, it's not a short film like most of the rest of his productions. Second, while it has some funny moments, it's really more a melodrama--and a delightful one at that. In fact, I had a wonderful time watching this well made film--even with its parallel plots. Exciting, clever and cute--this is a nice little film.
All in all, it's hard to imagine that this is a Mack Sennett film. First, it's not a short film like most of the rest of his productions. Second, while it has some funny moments, it's really more a melodrama--and a delightful one at that. In fact, I had a wonderful time watching this well made film--even with its parallel plots. Exciting, clever and cute--this is a nice little film.