The Butcher Boy (1917 film)

Plot

The story involves Arbuckle working as the butcher boy in a general store. He's in love with Almondine (Lake), the daughter of the store manager Mr. Grouch. His attempts to get close to her are thwarted when the store's sales manager named Alum (St. John), a rival for the girl's affections, starts a fight in the store with Fatty, which subsequently involves a customer who had earlier bought molasses (Keaton) and Mr. Grouch. Determined to marry Almondine, Fatty follows her—disguised as a female cousin—to an all-girl boarding school. Unfortunately, Alum has the same idea and masquerades as a female student as well. After another fight breaks out between Fatty and Alum, Fatty is taken by the school's principal Miss Teachem to a separate room to be punished. Meanwhile, Alum and his accomplices (Keaton and Bordeaux) attempt to kidnap Almondine. Luckily Fatty's dog Luke distracts the gang while Fatty and Almondine escape. They spot a church across the road and decide to get married.

Note that in a later release, the film's subtitles reflect new names for the characters Alum (now "Slim Snavely") and Almondine (now "Amanda").

Cast

Critical response

A contemporary Variety review indicates the film was well-received, stating: "The Comique Film Co.'s series of Arbuckle two-reelers starts off with Fatty shaking out a bag of laugh making tricks. The cast fits the star, and not the least important member is 'Luke,' the bull terrier. It is a wonder. Arbuckle's juggling with the accessories of the country store where he is an important factor, also his way of handling the feminine clothes worn in his visit to the girl's boarding school, is done in such a serious, earnest way the comic effect is all the more forceful... The first of the Arbuckle series has set a good mark to aim at. While there is some slapstick, the comedy is recommended."