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Hand-Picked Alternatives for Fans of Funny Face: Cult Guide

Author

Senior Film Conservator

16 August 2026

6 min read

After experiencing the stylistic flair of Funny Face (1927), you are likely searching for more films that share its specific artistic vision. Unlock a new level of cinematic understanding with these Short alternatives.

The Funny Face Phenomenon

This 1927 Short classic stands as a testament to push the boundaries of conventional storytelling.

"Big Boy" and his brother, Jackie, are very hungry. There is nothing to eat in the house. Their mother, a wash-woman, is very poor and has no money to buy food or to pay the rent. Jack and "Big Boy" go out to play. They manage to get some coal for the stove and put it in the kitchen. Then they go to the grocery store where Jack works, delivering bundles, to pay a long due grocery bill. "Big Boy" meets Bonnie at the grocery store and starts a flirtation with her. Bonnie is a little rich girl but she finds the attentions of the poor boy quite acceptable. "Big Boy" makes funny faces and cuts up generally. But he nearly wrecks the store in his efforts. Then to make had enough worse, "Big Boy" climbs into the meat display window after his dog and gets thoroughly spanked by the grocer for his efforts. Jack is told to watch a baby in a buggy. The baby crawls out of the carriage to play with "Big Boy" while Jack ties the buggy to the pet dog. A cat comes along and the dog chases it. The grocery keeper and the mother of the child miss the buggy and start a frantic search for it. They enlist the aid of all the police as the search goes on. The dog pulls the buggy all over town, finally landing in a lake. While the frantic mother and groceryman scream for help, "Big Boy" and the baby are looking for the mother. The mother offers fifty dollars reward to anyone who will save her baby. Consequently, when "Big Boy" appears with the child, she gives him the money. "Big Boy" pays the groceryman and the landlord what his mother owes them and he and Jack go out and purchase the makings for a big feast with the remainder of the money.

Stylistic Legacy

The influence of Charles Lamont in Funny Face can be felt in the way modern Short films handle stylistic flair. From the specific lighting choices to the pacing, this 1927 release set a high bar for atmospheric immersion.

Down the Mississippi scene — Scene from Down the Mississippi

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

Hand-Picked Alternatives for Fans of Funny Face

Based on the unique stylistic flair of Funny Face, our vault has identified these titles as the most compelling follow-up experiences for fans of Short cinema:

Down the Mississippi

1. Down the Mississippi 1920

Dir: Frank Moser

The simple story is about two siblings, little brother Bud and big sister Susie. After they've been reading "Huckleberry Finn" they dream of adventures on the Mississippi River.

The Great Cheese Robbery

2. The Great Cheese Robbery 1920

Dir: Vernon Stallings

The Great Cheese Robbery scene — Scene from The Great Cheese Robbery

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

Krazy Kat is held in jail and Ignatz finally bails him out after encountering "guilt".

'A mala nova

3. 'A mala nova 1920

Dir: Eduardo Notari

A crime drama in the Gennariello-series. The police detective in Naples that is confronted with modern gangsters and crime events.

Mary's Ankle

4. Mary's Ankle 1920

Dir: Lloyd Ingraham

'A mala nova scene — Scene from 'A mala nova

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

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.

His Royal Slyness

5. His Royal Slyness 1920

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.

A Fitting Gift

6. A Fitting Gift 1920

Dir: Unknown Director

Mary's Ankle scene — Scene from Mary's Ankle

A visual fragment from the archive: The thematic resonance of Mary's Ankle 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.

Trail of the Rails

7. Trail of the Rails 1920

Dir: Unknown Director

A fascinating piece of cinema that shares thematic elements.

The Land of Opportunity

8. The Land of Opportunity 1920

Dir: Ralph Ince

His Royal Slyness scene — Scene from His Royal Slyness

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

A fascinating piece of cinema that shares thematic elements.

Get-Rich-Quick Edgar

9. Get-Rich-Quick Edgar 1920

Dir: Mason N. Litson

Edgar and his chum try to amass a fortune in one day by cornering the fan market on a hot afternoon when the circus comes to the small town where they are spending their vacation.

New Ralgia

10. New Ralgia 1920

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.

Cinematic Comparison Matrix

Analysis relative to Funny Face

Film Title	Atmosphere	Complexity	Similarity
Down the Mississippi	Gritty	Linear	92% Match
The Great Cheese Robbery	Surreal	Linear	87% Match
'A mala nova	Surreal	Layered	92% Match
Mary's Ankle	Surreal	High	86% Match
His Royal Slyness	Gothic	Layered	92% Match

* This matrix is generated based on structural DNA and genre proximity to the 1927 classic Funny Face.

This guide was algorithmically generated using the cinematic metadata of Charles Lamont's archive. Last updated: 8/16/2026.

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