This Buster Keaton movie was released in 1925. I stumbled across Keaton's work last year, and was immediately captivated. His silent films had a level of choreography that is impressive, and even more amazing given the era in which they were constructed.
The "Seven Chances" film was based on a Broadway play that had a 151-performance run in 1916. The premise may have been considered hackneyed even then - a business is on the brink of ruin, without a miracle infusion of working capital. The business owners will be shamed in proper society, forever dishonored. Keaton's character "James Shannon" and his business partner "William Meekin" (T. Roy Barnes) are getting desperate. A lawyer (Snitz Edwards) shows up at the partners' office, and the two men try to duck out, thinking the lawyer is bearing more bad news. Not so fast, my friend...
The lawyer finally gets to the two businessmen and gives them surprisingly good news. Shannon stands to inherit $7 million dollars from his grandfather's estate. There's one sticking point, though. Shannon has to be married no later than 7 P.M. on his 27th birthday. This being a movie, Shannon's 27th birthday just happens to be that same day. James has hours to find a wife, get her to the altar, and finish the ceremony.
James has someone in mind. He's sweet on "his girl" (played by Ruth Dwyer, adorable in this role). She likes him too, and is waiting for him to show initiative and propose marriage. He's been holding out, in part because he doesn't want her stained by the disgrace his failed business would bring. Watch the early scene with him, her and her dog.
Through usual movie misunderstandings, the couple have obstacles in their way. All looks lost. James gets desperate and takes his requirement public. Maybe "his girl" is reluctant to get married under these circumstances, but other unwitting women have no such reluctance. Soon, a legion of women is after James, more than willing to be his wife for a share of the cash. A madcap chase ensues, and it's not even the best chase scene in the movie.
Many silent movie fans have probably seen the "boulders chase" scene in various retrospectives. It is impressive. However, there are other chase segments just as ingeniously constructed. I found myself howling with laughter.
For supporting cast, look for Jean Arthur in one of her first roles, uncredited as a receptionist at a country club.
To me, Keaton was a genius at physical comedy. Since he did nearly all his own stunts back then, he must have had a high tolerance for pain as well. His level of athleticism was amazing. I am a fan of his work, no doubt. I actively seek out his work, either through DVRing, DVD purchases, etc.
If you go for screwball comedy, it doesn't get better than this one. It started a bit sedate, but the action ramps up. It's a great ride.
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