The Essential Watchlist that Capture the Essence of Smith's Visitor: Cult Guide

Dir: Gilbert Pratt

Harold must have $5,000 to win the girl and manages to get it out of her father in a novel way.

Dir: Henry Edwards

A visual fragment from the archive: The thematic resonance of The Amazing Quest of Mr. Ernest Bliss perfectly mirrors the editorial trajectory of our deep dive.

A millionaire bets £25,000 that he can earn his own living for six months.

Dir: Ralph Ince

A fascinating piece of cinema that shares thematic elements.

Dir: Unknown Director

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

A fascinating piece of cinema that shares thematic elements.

Dir: Gilbert Pratt

Two playful young ladies make the acquaintance of two idle sons, who follow them, persistently forcing their way into a dancing academy, much against the dancing master's will. One of them gets a bright idea, and with the help of two pieces of mirror and a long pipe making a periscope, watch the dancing lessons. They are much interested in the dance of the seven veils, when the dancing master spies the periscope. He comes down, scares Monte away, and takes his place beside the unsuspecting Joe. Joe finally evades him, the two again resume their persistently in forcing their way into the place, assuming two suits of armor, being brought to the academy. Queer things follow rapidly on top of one another, winding up with the two running, as the picture fades.

Dir: Gilbert Pratt

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

Harold and Snub, traveling on a tandem bicycle, encounter wading women in distress, bank robbers, and police who believe them to be the robbers.

Dir: Reggie Morris

A fascinating piece of cinema that shares thematic elements.

Dir: Gilbert Pratt

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

Earl and Joe get jobs in a barber's shop, Earl as a bootblack and Joe as an expert with the razor. Of course, the manicure girls figure in the lively party, and it's a safe bet that all the customers who visit this particular barber shop while Earl shines shoes and Joe shaves faces are going to get everything the shop has to offer but service.

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: 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.