Efficiency Edgar's Courtship (1917): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1917, Efficiency Edgar's Courtship is a comedy film directed by Lawrence C. Windom, running about 44 minutes.

What it’s about. Efficiency wins success in business; why not in love? Edgar Bumpus, a rising young man, applies this reasoning to his courtship of Mary Pierce. He first eliminates Wimple, his closest competitor, who plays a guitar, by learning to play a saxophone, which makes louder noise, and by sending Mary flowers and candy each time Wimple calls on her. The plan works O.K., until the saxophone disturbs Mr. Pierce's slumbers. He and Edgar clash and the latter is forbidden to visit Mary any more. Edgar employs a clipping bureau to send news items to Mr. Pierce which tells of the troubles young girls get into when their fathers refuse to let them have beaux. One eloped with a milkman; another disappeared. This has no effect upon Mr. Pierce, however, except to make him hate Edgar more. However, the youth's persistence finally wins Mary's love. Then Edgar plays his trump card. He gets Mary to sign a legal agreement to forfeit $10,000 to him, unless she marries him.

Who’s in it. Efficiency Edgar's Courtship stars Taylor Holmes as Edgar Bumpus, Virginia Valli as Mary Pierce, Ernest Maupain as Mr. Pierce and Rod La Rocque as Wimple.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Efficiency Edgar's Courtship page.

If you liked it. Fans of Efficiency Edgar's Courtship tend to enjoy Forrest Gump, Parasite, Life Is Beautiful and Fight Club.