Hand-Picked Alternatives for Fans of A Close Shave: Cult Guide

Dir: Lloyd Ingraham

While walking along the street one day, Arthur P. Hampton, an impoverished young doctor, and his chums, Stub Masters and Johnny Stokes, are persuaded to part with their last remaining funds by tag day solicitor Mary Jane Smith, with whom the doctor promptly falls in love. Doc's friends then hit upon a get-rich-quick scheme. Knowing that his Uncle George has promised a large sum of money upon his nephew's marriage, they persuade Doc to send out fake wedding invitations naming Mary Jane as the blushing bride. Uncle George, elated at the good news, writes to Mary Jane's aunt, Angelica Burns, an old sweetheart, to invite Mary Jane and Angelica to be his guests on an ocean voyage. Meanwhile, Mary Jane pays a visit to the doctor's office and, upon seeing the wedding invitations, becomes so flustered that she trips and sprains her ankle. Doc comes to her rescue and then begs her to pose as his wife. She agrees, but at ship-side, Stub and Johnnie confess all to Uncle George, who flies into a rage until Doc announces that he and Mary Jane have chosen a wedding at sea.

Dir: Hal Roach

A visual fragment from the archive: The thematic resonance of His Royal Slyness perfectly mirrors the editorial trajectory of our deep dive.

An American book salesman (Lloyd) is persuaded to go to the kingdom of Thermosa to impersonate the Prince. He is greeted by a peasants' revolt before the real prince shows up to claim his throne and princess. The revolution succeeds, and the American is elected president of the new republic.

Dir: Gilbert Pratt

At a powder mill, the formula for an all-destroying explosive is sought by enemies of the mill owners, and the chase for this provides a riot of fun.

Dir: Edgar Jones

A visual fragment from the archive: The thematic resonance of Dynamite perfectly mirrors the editorial trajectory of our deep dive.

A mail-order bride arrives at a Maine lumber camp but doesn't like her prospective husband.

Dir: Charley Chase

A young married couple volunteer to take charge of several orphans after the asylum has burned down. Of course they find their hands full with their troublesome charges.

Dir: Unknown Director

A visual fragment from the archive: The thematic resonance of In the River perfectly mirrors the editorial trajectory of our deep dive.

The Judge needs a present for his wife's birthday, so Harry suggests a new corset. They go to the shop, but he's so embarrassed to ask the saleslady he hides in a phone booth.Harry goes in, but finds a GUY wearing one, and runs out.They both dress as women to get back in, but Mrs. Rummy gets there and chases him out.

Dir: Unknown Director

A fascinating piece of cinema that shares thematic elements.

Dir: Gilbert Pratt

A visual fragment from the archive: The thematic resonance of Kids Is Kids perfectly mirrors the editorial trajectory of our deep dive.

Jimmy is compelled to retreat when he tries to flirt without a license. He annoys the park policeman who chases him, He comes upon Stella Flip, seeking her run-a-way dog, He helps her hunt for the dog, finally resting on a bench, Jimmy is surprised suddenly by the dog jumping upon the bench with friendliness to him. He falls asleep on the bench and dreams the following. Mr. Jipper, more of a robber than the usual hotel proprietor, is caught in a safety first trap, when he tries to pick Willie Hold's pocket, and Willie, who is a salesman for the Safety First Trans tries to sell him a trap, Jimmy arrives with the dog, meets Stella and returns the dog to her. He is trying to make a hit with Stella, when the proprietor interferes, and has him kicked out, Jimmy, nothing daunted, finds his way back, as a bell hop. After causing considerable trouble, he finally lands in the crook's den, and the proprietor, who is also the leader of the gang, makes him a member of it. During the course of his operations as one of the gang, Jimmy is forced to operate on an audience in the hotel room, which was borrowed to display some of the latest creations and shapes. Caught in the act by the policeman, Jimmy makes his escape, seeking safety behind the curtains of the stage. When the curtain goes up he has assumed the disguise of a nifty bathing suit - and again as Madame Peekaboo, when the cop and proprietor discover him. There is a wild chase, Jimmy finally wakes up, the policeman rapping him with his club, and finds the dog next to him. He grabs up the dog, and runs with it, as the policeman looks after him, scratching his head in perplexity.

Dir: Gilbert Pratt

A fascinating piece of cinema that shares thematic elements.

Dir: Gilbert Pratt

Earl and Joe get jobs in a barber's shop, Earl as a bootblack and Joe as an expert with the razor. Of course, the manicure girls figure in the lively party, and it's a safe bet that all the customers who visit this particular barber shop while Earl shines shoes and Joe shaves faces are going to get everything the shop has to offer but service.