Recommendations
Senior Film Conservator

The artistic legacy of E.J. Babille was forever changed by No Control, the thematic layers of this 1927 classic invite a wider exploration of the genre. This list serves as a bridge to other Comedy experiences that are just as potent.
The vintage appeal of No Control to reinvent the tropes of Comedy cinema for a global audience.
Nancy Flood, whose father Noah operates a one-ring circus, decides to take a business job to earn extra money. John Douglas, a tired businessman ignored by his family, departs on a business trip and leaves John, Jr., in charge of the office. Young Douglas starts a flirtation with Nancy, who applies at a realty office, which is actually a cover for a poolroom operated by Kid Dugan; John saves her from Dugan's advances and gives her a job. When John Douglas returns, he discharges Nancy for incompetency, and John, Jr., accepts Noah Flood's offer to manage the circus. Desperate for money, they enter a dancing horse in a race. Knowing the animal to be particularly frightened by the circus lion, John manages to prod the horse into the home stretch by the sound of the lion's roar. The circus is thus rescued, and John Jr. is united with Nancy.
No Control was a significant production in United States, showcasing the immense talent of Toby Claude, Larry Steers, Jack Duffy. It continues to be a top recommendation for anyone studying Comedy history.
Based on the unique unique vision of No Control, our vault has identified these titles as the most compelling follow-up experiences for fans of Comedy cinema:
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: 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: 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: Joseph Franz
John Whalen is ordained into the priesthood and assumes the leadership of a small-town New Jersey parish. His dying mother's last wish is for young doctor Edward Welsh and his sweetheart to be married. Rev. Whalen devotes much time and effort to overcoming the obstacles to the union, managing along the way to solve the problems of other townspeople.
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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: Malcolm St. Clair
A dancing instructor gets involved with a newly rich family.
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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.
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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: Alfred J. Goulding
Two tramps wrest a pistol from a hold up man, then try to pull a stick up of their own, unfortunately for them, a cop appears and takes the money back and then chases them through a park with a lake. One steals canoe and the chase continues when a mob of cops go after him in more boats.
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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.
View DetailsAnalysis relative to No Control
| Film Title | Atmosphere | Complexity | Similarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Fitting Gift | Surreal | Layered | 96% Match |
| Two Weeks | Surreal | Linear | 94% Match |
| His Royal Slyness | Gothic | Layered | 92% Match |
| The Parish Priest | Gothic | Linear | 91% Match |
| Homer Comes Home | Ethereal | Linear | 93% Match |
This guide was algorithmically generated using the cinematic metadata of E.J. Babille's archive. Last updated: 6/26/2026.
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