The Mystery of the Leaping Fish

1916 silent film

The Mystery of the Leaping Fish is a 1916 American silent short comedy film directed by John Emerson and starring Douglas Fairbanks. The film is a parody of Sherlock Holmes and features Fairbanks as "Coke Ennyday," a detective with a penchant for cocaine and other substances. The film is notable for its comedic take on the detective genre and its satirical portrayal of drug use.

Plot

Douglas Fairbanks as Coke Ennyday

The film follows the adventures of Coke Ennyday, a detective who is called upon to solve the mystery of the "leaping fish." Ennyday is characterized by his eccentric behavior and his reliance on a variety of drugs, which he consumes from a belt of syringes. The plot unfolds as Ennyday investigates a smuggling operation involving inflatable fish.

Ennyday's investigation leads him to a beachside location where he encounters a series of comedic situations. He uses his unique methods to uncover the smuggling operation, which involves hiding contraband inside inflatable fish. The film concludes with Ennyday successfully solving the case, much to the amusement of the audience.

Cast

• Douglas Fairbanks as Coke Ennyday
• Bessie Love as The Girl
• Allan Sears as The Villain
• Tom Wilson as The Police Chief

Production

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A scene from the film

The film was produced by the Triangle Film Corporation and was released as a two-reel short. It was written by Tod Browning and Anita Loos, with Browning also contributing to the direction. The film's comedic style and satirical elements were influenced by the popular detective stories of the time, particularly those featuring Sherlock Holmes.

The film's portrayal of drug use was intended as a parody and was not meant to be taken seriously. However, it has since been noted for its bold depiction of substance use, which was unusual for films of that era.

Reception

Upon its release, The Mystery of the Leaping Fish received mixed reviews. Some praised its humor and Fairbanks' performance, while others were critical of its unconventional subject matter. Over time, the film has gained a cult following and is appreciated for its unique approach to comedy and its historical significance in early cinema.

Legacy

The Mystery of the Leaping Fish is considered a significant work in the career of Douglas Fairbanks, showcasing his versatility as an actor and his willingness to take on unconventional roles. The film is also notable for its early use of parody in cinema, influencing later comedic works.

Related pages

• Douglas Fairbanks
• Sherlock Holmes
• Silent film
• Triangle Film Corporation