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Deep Archive Finds in the Vein of Going Great: Cult Guide

Author

Senior Film Conservator

16 August 2026

4 min read

The cinematic DNA of Going Great (1925) is truly one of a kind, the search for similar titles reveals the deep impact of Norman Taurog's direction. Our cinematic experts have identified several titles that reflect the spirit of 1925.

The Going Great Phenomenon

As a pivotal work in United States cinema, Going Great to capture the existential zeitgeist of 1925.

The members of a college fraternity are so anxious to use all the initiation tricks they try them out on the janitor and also a poor boy that is working his way through college as a tailor.

Stylistic Legacy

The influence of Norman Taurog in Going Great can be felt in the way modern Short films handle cult status. From the specific lighting choices to the pacing, this 1925 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.

Deep Archive Finds in the Vein of Going Great

Based on the unique cult status of Going Great, 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.

New Ralgia

2. New Ralgia 1920

Dir: Unknown Director

New Ralgia scene — Scene from New Ralgia

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

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.

Striking Models

3. Striking Models 1920

Dir: Reggie Morris

A fascinating piece of cinema that shares thematic elements.

'A mala nova

4. 'A mala nova 1920

Dir: Eduardo Notari

Striking Models scene — Scene from Striking Models

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

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

On Strike

5. On Strike 1920

Dir: Bud Fisher

Mutt and Jeff go on strike and make their own film.

Mary's Ankle

6. 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.

Kids Is Kids

7. Kids Is Kids 1920

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.

Lunatics in Politics

8. Lunatics in Politics 1920

Dir: Richard Smith

On Strike scene — Scene from On Strike

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

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.

Don't Weaken!

9. Don't Weaken! 1920

Dir: Malcolm St. Clair

A dancing instructor gets involved with a newly rich family.

Trail of the Rails

10. Trail of the Rails 1920

Dir: Unknown Director

A fascinating piece of cinema that shares thematic elements.

Cinematic Comparison Matrix

Analysis relative to Going Great

Film Title	Atmosphere	Complexity	Similarity
Down the Mississippi	Gritty	Linear	92% Match
New Ralgia	Ethereal	High	85% Match
Striking Models	Tense	High	96% Match
'A mala nova	Surreal	Layered	92% Match
On Strike	Gothic	Linear	92% Match

* This matrix is generated based on structural DNA and genre proximity to the 1925 classic Going Great.

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

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