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The Definitive Watchlist For Devotees of Synchromy No. 2: Cult Guide

Author

Senior Film Conservator

10 June 2026

4 min read

The United States-born brilliance of Synchromy No. 2 offers a unique unique vision, the juxtaposition of unique vision and narrative makes it a Short outlier. Dive into this collection and find the spiritual successors to Mary Ellen Bute's vision.

The Synchromy No. 2 Phenomenon

In the Pantheon of Short cinema, Synchromy No. 2 to elevate Short to the level of high art.

Screen titles introduce the film as an attempt to see sound. Reinald Werrenrath sings Wagner's "O Evening Song," as the artist creates moods through the eye. The abstract forms are generated by light playing on paper clips, jars, rings, and paper cut outs that are then rendered in multiple images. Shapes like stairways appear as the light exposes first the bottom then more; then the light gradually leaves. A statue of a woman appears. Shapes materialize then disappear. Reflection, refraction, dissolves, and superimposition combine with kaleidoscope effects. A lily appears as the song ends.

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Did you know?

Synchromy No. 2 was a significant production in United States, bringing a unique perspective to the global stage. It continues to be a top recommendation for anyone studying Short history.

Run 'Em Ragged scene — Scene from Run 'Em Ragged

A visual fragment from the archive: The thematic resonance of Run 'Em Ragged perfectly mirrors the editorial trajectory of our deep dive.

The Definitive Watchlist For Devotees of Synchromy No. 2

Based on the unique unique vision of Synchromy No. 2, our vault has identified these titles as the most compelling follow-up experiences for fans of Short cinema:

Run 'Em Ragged

1. Run 'Em Ragged 1920

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.

On Strike

2. On Strike 1920

Dir: Bud Fisher

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.

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

Cinderella Cinders

3. Cinderella Cinders 1920

Dir: Frederick J. Ireland

An unemployed cook takes her shot at working for an upper class family. When none of their fancy guests show up to a party, she and the butler impersonate them.

Get-Rich-Quick Edgar

4. Get-Rich-Quick Edgar 1920

Dir: Mason N. Litson

Cinderella Cinders scene — Scene from Cinderella Cinders

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

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.

Chicken à la Cabaret

5. Chicken à la Cabaret 1920

Dir: Victor Heerman

The night of the Policeman's Benefit is at hand and all the coppers with their wives are in the audience. On the stage is a magician. Everything goes well until he asks for the officers' watches. Presumably he will turn them into eggs or something. He has a charming confederate and both enter compartments. When they don't reappear, the curtains are lifted and the fakirs are absent. They escaped through a trap in the stage. Then the chase is on.

'A mala nova

6. 'A mala nova 1920

Dir: Eduardo Notari

Get-Rich-Quick Edgar scene — Scene from Get-Rich-Quick Edgar

A visual fragment from the archive: The thematic resonance of Get-Rich-Quick Edgar 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.

The Land of Opportunity

7. The Land of Opportunity 1920

Dir: Ralph Ince

A fascinating piece of cinema that shares thematic elements.

Lunatics in Politics

8. Lunatics in Politics 1920

Dir: Richard Smith

Chicken à la Cabaret scene — Scene from Chicken à la Cabaret

A visual fragment from the archive: The thematic resonance of Chicken à la Cabaret 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.

How Not to Dress

9. How Not to Dress 1920

Dir: Lasse Ring

Mr and Mrs Stockholm visit the Paul U. Bergström (PUB) department store to buy a new wardrobe for a journey. They visit different departments, where the future Greta Garbo (Gustafson at the time) is one the models showing outfits for Mrs Stockholm.

Don't Weaken!

10. Don't Weaken! 1920

Dir: Malcolm St. Clair

A dancing instructor gets involved with a newly rich family.

Cinematic Comparison Matrix

Analysis relative to Synchromy No. 2

Film Title	Atmosphere	Complexity	Similarity
Run 'Em Ragged	Gothic	Abstract	93% Match
On Strike	Gothic	Linear	92% Match
Cinderella Cinders	Tense	Dense	96% Match
Get-Rich-Quick Edgar	Tense	Abstract	95% Match
Chicken à la Cabaret	Tense	Linear	86% Match

* This matrix is generated based on structural DNA and genre proximity to the 1936 classic Synchromy No. 2.

This guide was algorithmically generated using the cinematic metadata of Mary Ellen Bute's archive. Last updated: 6/10/2026.

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