Recommendations
Senior Film Conservator

Delving into the atmospheric depths of Get That Venus reveals a master at work, the visual language established by Arthur Varney is something many try to emulate. From hidden underground hits to established classics, these are our top picks.
The enduring power of Get That Venus lies in to synthesize diverse influences into a singular artistic statement.
Wealthy Georgina Van Aster, whose primary interest in life is horses, decides to sell the celebrated "Asterville Venus," a painting that has attracted people from around the world to the quaint New York town of Asterville. As the painting is the only thing of prominence in Asterville, managing editor Nash of the Asterville Clarion , plans to start a fund to buy it for the town's new library. Mrs. Van Aster, however, refuses to sell the painting to anyone locally because of a dispute with townspeople regarding damage to their property because of her fox hunt. Nash plans with reporter Tim Wilson, whose primary interest is flirting with women, a way to procure the painting. After Dutch cheese manufacturer Hugo Tannenberg, offers Mrs. Van Aster $100,000 for the painting, which he says he may use as a trademark for his cheeses, Tim goes to talk with befuddled art connoisseur Rendleby, a former curator at the Metropolitan Museum who now runs a curio shop in Asterville with his daughter Margaret. When Tim sees Margaret at the window of the shop, he immediately falls in love with her, and after paying an organ grinder to play a waltz, he dances with Margaret into the parlor. Rendleby, who is awed by the painting, readily agrees to intercede with Mrs. Van Aster. That night, a burglar, Joe Smiley, sneaks into the Rendleby shop. After Rendleby tells a police officer, who had been following Smiley, that Smiley is a guest, Smiley, in gratitude, gives Rendleby his address and offers his services anytime Rendleby needs them. Mrs. Van Aster refuses Rendleby's request that she keep the painting and sells it to Tannenberg. Margaret, when she learns this and sees Tim's elation, rebukes him. Rendleby then finds Smiley and arranges to go with him to steal the painting. Smiley, who, when casing the place, fell for the advances of Mrs. Van Aster's chambermaid Belle, cuts the painting out of its frame. As the police search for clues, Tim deduces from his conversation with Belle that Smiley is the culprit and tells the police sergeant, but then finds Rendleby admiring the painting at his shop. When Smiley, with the police in pursuit, comes to the shop, Tim hides the painting, but the police find it. Tim convinces them not to arrest Rendleby until Tannenberg identifies the painting and then instructs Tannenberg to claim that it is a fake. After the police leave, Tim reveals to Margaret that Tannenberg was hired by the newspaper to buy the painting and that Rendleby can now present it to the library. While Tim is on the phone to Nash, Margaret apologizes, and as Nash yells at Tim, he and Margaret embrace.
Critics widely regard Get That Venus as a cult-favorite piece of Comedy cinema. Its cult status is frequently cited as its strongest asset, solidifying its place in United States's film legacy.
Based on the unique cult status of Get That Venus, our vault has identified these titles as the most compelling follow-up experiences for fans of Comedy cinema:
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.
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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: Henry Edwards
A millionaire bets £25,000 that he can earn his own living for six months.
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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: 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: Malcolm St. Clair
A dancing instructor gets involved with a newly rich family.
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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: 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.
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Dir: Jerome Storm
Ne'er-do-well Homer Cavender ventures to the city from Mainsville in an effort to find fame and fortune. Both elude him, and after clerking for two years, Homer returns home for a vacation. Impressed by his flashy clothes, the townspeople assume that Homer has achieved success. Attempting to win Rachel Prouty from his rival, Arthur Machim, Homer continues the deception by announcing that his employer, Kort and Bailly, has dispatched him to enroll stockholders for a proposed new plant to be built in Mainsville. Machim discovers the sham and denounces Homer as a crook. Meanwhile, Homer returns to New York, convinces his employers of the merits of his plan and comes home triumphant, with a proposal for both the new plant and for Rachel's hand in marriage.
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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.
View DetailsAnalysis relative to Get That Venus
| Film Title | Atmosphere | Complexity | Similarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two Weeks | Surreal | Linear | 94% Match |
| Lunatics in Politics | Ethereal | Dense | 97% Match |
| The Amazing Quest of Mr. Ernest Bliss | Gritty | Linear | 86% Match |
| Mary's Ankle | Surreal | High | 86% Match |
| New Ralgia | Ethereal | High | 85% Match |
This guide was algorithmically generated using the cinematic metadata of Arthur Varney's archive. Last updated: 6/24/2026.
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