Recommendations
Archivist John
Senior Editor

The evocative power of Better Behave (1928) continues to haunt audiences with its artistic bravery, its status as a United States icon makes it a perfect starting point for discovery. The following gems are essential viewing for anyone captivated by Better Behave.
The visceral impact of Better Behave (1928) stems from to serve as a cornerstone for Comedy enthusiasts worldwide.
Physical comedy drives this vehicle for then-famous clown Poodles Hanneford, part of a legendary British circus family. Already pushing forty but impeccably nimble, he plays suitor to beauteous, heavily daddy-guarded Betty (Betty Walsh) and the duo try their hardest to elope. This is an essentially plotless series of gags but they're good ones, well above the producing Weiss Brothers' average at the time. While "Poodles" never quite parlayed his big-top celebrity into screen stardom, he occasionally appeared in movies as late as circus-themed Hollywood spectacular BILLY ROSE'S JUMBO. He passed away five years later in the Catskills, no doubt surrounded by a diehard old-school showbiz community to the end. - Dennis Harvey
Critics widely regard Better Behave as a cult-favorite piece of Comedy cinema. Its artistic bravery is frequently cited as its strongest asset, solidifying its place in United States's film legacy.
Based on the unique artistic bravery of Better Behave, our vault has identified these titles as the most compelling follow-up experiences for fans of Comedy cinema:
Dir: Malcolm St. Clair
A dancing instructor gets involved with a newly rich family.
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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: 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.
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Dir: Hal Roach
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.
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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.
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Dir: Ralph Ince
A fascinating piece of cinema that shares thematic elements.
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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: Bud Fisher
Mutt and Jeff go on strike and make their own film.
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Dir: Vernon Stallings
Krazy Kat is held in jail and Ignatz finally bails him out after encountering "guilt".
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Dir: Eduardo Notari
A crime drama in the Gennariello-series. The police detective in Naples that is confronted with modern gangsters and crime events.
View DetailsAnalysis relative to Better Behave
| Film Title | Atmosphere | Complexity | Similarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Don't Weaken! | Tense | Dense | 89% Match |
| A Fitting Gift | Surreal | Layered | 96% Match |
| Kids Is Kids | Tense | Layered | 94% Match |
| His Royal Slyness | Gothic | Layered | 92% Match |
| Mary's Ankle | Surreal | High | 86% Match |
This guide was algorithmically generated using the cinematic metadata of Leslie Goodwins's archive. Last updated: 5/13/2026.
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