Recommendations
Senior Film Conservator

For those who were mesmerized by What's Up?, a true Short masterpiece from 1925, its influence on Short cinema remains a vital reference point for fans today. This list serves as a bridge to other Short experiences that are just as potent.
The legacy of What's Up? is built upon its ability to blend thematic complexity with stunning visual execution.
Cliff is to meet Rose under an umbrella but he has trouble as everyone has an umbrella. He has trouble with an elderly gent who turns out to be Rose's father. To get the best of the old man, Cliff dons a mustache and later puts on women's clothes. Father falls for him and also gets in trouble with another woman who starts the crowd after him as a masher. Much of the action takes place around an amusement park. The principals enter small autos and chase around finally leaving the enclosure and dashing into the water.
What's Up? was a significant production in United States, showcasing the immense talent of Cliff Bowes, Rose Shirley. It continues to be a top recommendation for anyone studying Short history.
Based on the unique artistic bravery of What's Up?, our vault has identified these titles as the most compelling follow-up experiences for fans of Short 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: Vernon Stallings
Krazy Kat is held in jail and Ignatz finally bails him out after encountering "guilt".
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Dir: Eduardo Notari
A crime drama in the Gennariello-series. The police detective in Naples that is confronted with modern gangsters and crime events.
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Dir: Reggie Morris
A fascinating piece of cinema that shares thematic elements.
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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: 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.
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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: 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: Malcolm St. Clair
A dancing instructor gets involved with a newly rich family.
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Dir: Jess Robbins
Jimmy accidentally enters the underworld resort through a coal chute and meets over a hundred chorus girls.
View DetailsAnalysis relative to What's Up?
| Film Title | Atmosphere | Complexity | Similarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Fitting Gift | Surreal | Layered | 96% Match |
| The Great Cheese Robbery | Surreal | Linear | 87% Match |
| 'A mala nova | Surreal | Layered | 92% Match |
| Striking Models | Tense | High | 96% Match |
| Homer Comes Home | Ethereal | Linear | 93% Match |
This guide was algorithmically generated using the cinematic metadata of Jess Robbins's archive. Last updated: 6/24/2026.
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