Top-Tier Alternatives In the Shadow of Molly O': Cult Guide

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.

Dir: F. Richard Jones

The comic difficulties encountered by the proprietor of a small hotel when he tries to run a "speakeasy" in the cellar.

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

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.

Dir: F. Richard Jones

Charlie, as the proprietor of a delicatessen, finds it impossible to resist the attractions of a pretty little manicurist next door and equally impossible to carry on his flirtation without getting into trouble with his wife.

A visual fragment from the archive: The thematic resonance of Lunatics in Politics perfectly mirrors the editorial trajectory of our deep dive.

Dir: F. Richard Jones

Charles Murray gets caught by his wife flirting with a dancer.

Dir: F. Richard Jones

This short was a promo piece for Mack Sennett's Yankee Doodle in Berlin (1919), with many of the same characters in addition to the Mack Sennett Bathing Beauties.

A visual fragment from the archive: The thematic resonance of Never Too Old perfectly mirrors the editorial trajectory of our deep dive.

Dir: F. Richard Jones

A crusade against women wearing clothes which are more abbreviated than the law allows results in policemen and jurists being captivated by their captives.

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.

A visual fragment from the archive: The thematic resonance of Up in Alf's Place perfectly mirrors the editorial trajectory of our deep dive.

Dir: F. Richard Jones

A fascinating piece of cinema that shares thematic elements.

Dir: F. Richard Jones

A foolish husband attempts to make a date with a fair and frivolous charmer whose card has come into his possession, and is arranging all the details while his wife stands listening. He tries to explain that it is a business matter, but is forced to go to the bathroom to think it over. While thus engaged he has a horrible dream of his adventures with the frivolous lady who puts him through the exciting adventures of a badger game. That he finally escapes and wakes to find himself safe at home determines him that it shall be his last false step.