Recommendations
Senior Film Conservator

The United States-born brilliance of A Successful Failure offers a unique artistic bravery, the juxtaposition of artistic bravery and narrative makes it a Comedy outlier. Dive into this collection and find the spiritual successors to Arthur Lubin's vision.
In the Pantheon of Comedy cinema, A Successful Failure to elevate Comedy to the level of high art.
Ellery Cushing is full of catchy sayings and old-fashioned wisdom. But all that his family cares about is how much money he makes, and all that his boss at the newspaper sees is that Cushing is getting too old to keep up with his work. So his loyal co-worker Phil decides to see what he can do to help everyone see what his friend has to offer.
A Successful Failure was a significant production in United States, showcasing the immense talent of William Janney, Edward Peil Sr., Gloria Shea. It continues to be a top recommendation for anyone studying Comedy history.
Based on the unique artistic bravery of A Successful Failure, our vault has identified these titles as the most compelling follow-up experiences for fans of Comedy cinema:
Dir: Joseph Franz
John Whalen is ordained into the priesthood and assumes the leadership of a small-town New Jersey parish. His dying mother's last wish is for young doctor Edward Welsh and his sweetheart to be married. Rev. Whalen devotes much time and effort to overcoming the obstacles to the union, managing along the way to solve the problems of other townspeople.
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Dir: Reggie Morris
A fascinating piece of cinema that shares thematic elements.
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Dir: Henry Edwards
A millionaire bets £25,000 that he can earn his own living for six months.
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Dir: Herbert Blaché
After Schuyler Rutherford's divorce from his rich wife Caroline, who was his meal ticket, his sister Kathleen is so humiliated by the fact that her penniless condition was brought to light during the court proceedings that she seeks solace in her sculptor friend Mary Carter, who offers her a job as her secretary. While working, she becomes acquainted with Mary's wealthy cousin Robert Winston when she overhears him denouncing parasitic girls like Kathleen. Vowing revenge, Kathleen assumes a false name and obtains a position as Robert's secretary, determined to make him fall in love with her. Kathleen's plan succeeds, and then, to spite Robert, she announces her engagement to wealthy Murray Van Allan. After a series of incidents, Robert makes Kathleen realize that she really loves him and, after forgiving him, she agrees to be his wife.
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Dir: Unknown Director
The village youths are rivals for the hand of the local belle. Their battles lead them to the village store, where chaos soon reigns, terminating in the place being blown up, leaving Bobby a happy victor.
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Dir: Richard Smith
Two female candidates for Chief of Police live across the hall from each other, and their political rivalry follows them home, leading to plenty of hi-jinks.
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Dir: Alfred J. Goulding
Two tramps wrest a pistol from a hold up man, then try to pull a stick up of their own, unfortunately for them, a cop appears and takes the money back and then chases them through a park with a lake. One steals canoe and the chase continues when a mob of cops go after him in more boats.
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Dir: Unknown Director
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.
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Dir: Sidney Franklin
A chorus girl hopes to rise to stardom and thus accepts the advances of a wealthy man. But she becomes fearful of her reputation and safety. In an attempt to escape the rake's attentions, she hides out with a disparate group of men who room in a house called "The Barn." There she learns that there is more to life than that found on the stage.
View DetailsAnalysis relative to A Successful Failure
| Film Title | Atmosphere | Complexity | Similarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Parish Priest | Gothic | Linear | 91% Match |
| Striking Models | Tense | High | 96% Match |
| On Strike | Gothic | Linear | 92% Match |
| The Amazing Quest of Mr. Ernest Bliss | Gritty | Linear | 86% Match |
| The Walk-Offs | Gothic | High | 88% Match |
This guide was algorithmically generated using the cinematic metadata of Arthur Lubin's archive. Last updated: 6/2/2026.
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