The Recommended Vault Deeply Connected to Smash-Up in China: Cult Guide

Dir: Gregory La Cava

At the Slippery Elm Picture Palace, an old-fashioned movie house, various comical rural types are seen: theater owner "Theo Bender" (also known as "His Nibs"); his son, "Elmer Bender;" newspaper editor "Mr. Percifer;" "Wally Craw," who predicts the weather; organist "Miss Dessie Teed;" youthful tenor Peelee Gear, Jr.; and on the screen, a protagonist known as "The Boy." Standing at his projection machine, Theo informs the audience that he has removed the titles from the film he is about to show, but will explain the action as it unfolds in the story, He Fooled 'Em All. The Boy leaves a small town to get rich in the city, but he is swindled out of his money by a city chap, after which his clothes are stolen, and he is forced to become a dishwasher to pay his rent. The city chap persuades The Girl and The Girl's Father to visit the city, hoping to swindle them as well, but they stay at the hotel where The Boy is working, and the young hero foils the swindler's plot. Although the customary happy ending has been removed, "His Nibs" tells the audience that The Boy and The Girl get married just the same.

Dir: Gregory La Cava

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

A fascinating piece of cinema that shares thematic elements.

Dir: Gregory La Cava

A fascinating piece of cinema that shares thematic elements.

Dir: Gregory La Cava

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

As Prohibition takes effect, an irate wife throws away all of the Judge's liquor and sends him to a temperance lecture. While waiting for it to start, he tries the liquor substitute from the establishment across the street.

Dir: Gregory La Cava

When a bashful suitor attempts to ask father, who is a judge, he is mistaken for a man who is seeking to get revenge.

Dir: Gregory La Cava

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

When Ignatz Mouse throws the brick at the Smelly Skunk and cashing him.

Dir: Gregory La Cava

Ma is chasing a milk devouring fly, while uncle, in the garden, is sweeping the carpet with a vacuum cleaner. Then he falls beneath a tree near a beehive. The twins immediately suck the bees into the vacuum, and go in search of Pa, who, worn out from painting the outhouse also slumbers. Awakened by a dose of angry bees, Pa and Ma give chase, and after great trouble the twins are captured and dealt with in a manner befitting their crimes.

Dir: Gregory La Cava

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

A fascinating piece of cinema that shares thematic elements.

Dir: Gregory La Cava

Charlie is a small town druggist trying to wait on trade and play a social game of poker in the back room.

Dir: Gregory La Cava

Murray appears as a man trying to fathom the income tax, while his daughter is in love with a young musician known as the "fiddling fool."