Definition

Proper noun * Mack Sennett: A United States filmmaker, born in Canada, who was famous for creating and producing slapstick comedy films during the early years of cinema. He founded the Keystone Studios and was instrumental in developing the genre and launching the careers of many notable comedians.

Usage

This word is used exclusively as a proper noun to refer to the historical figure. * Film historians credit Mack Sennett with perfecting the cinematic chase scene. * The zany humor of Mack Sennett's Keystone Kops became iconic.

Advanced Usage

• Sennett-esque: An adjective used to describe comedy that resembles the fast-paced, physical, and anarchic slapstick style pioneered by Mack Sennett.
  • The director paid homage with a Sennett-esque pie fight in the modern film.

Variants and Related Words

• Keystone Studios: The film studio founded by Mack Sennett.
• Keystone Kops: The inept police force characters featured in many of Sennett's comedies.
• Slapstick: A style of comedy involving exaggerated physical activity and violence, which Sennett helped define in film.

Synonyms

• The King of Comedy (a historical epithet)
• The Master of Slapstick

Noun

1. United States filmmaker (born in Canada) noted for slapstick movies (1880-1960)