Movies at Mechanics' Presents Girl Shy (1924)

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.

Before our Movies at Mechanics' screening of Girl Shy for Silent Film Month, join us for a special 60-minute gramophone concert presented by Robert Mailer Anderson- also referred to as DJ GrampaPhone. With vast experience, Robert is a 9th generation Californian writer, producer, filmmaker, and author. He has been nominated for 3 Grammys as a music producer. Enjoy a curated selection of vintage records played on an authentic 120-year old gramophone, accompanied by insightful commentary that brings the music and its history to life. This unique prelude sets the perfect mood for an evening of classic silent cinema.

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!

$5 for members, $10 for non-members *processing fees may apply