The Definitive Watchlist Seeking the Same Brilliance as When Love I...

Dir: Hal Mohr

Episode 1: "The Last Cigarette" In the Bergenschloss the heads of Saxonia's secret service are in consultation over the fate of one of their men who has failed in his mission to a South American republic on account of the watchfulness of Yorke Norroy, a diplomatic agent and the cleverest man in the American secret service, who poses as a man of fashion. The Saxonian chiefs lay plans for his destruction. Minna Ober, whose father has been sentenced to death for murder, comes to plead for clemency. The chief offers the man a chance for his life if he will dispose of Yorke Norroy. Ober accepts. The papers have given publicity to the escape of Max Ober, and Huntley Carson, the confidant of Yorke Norroy, warns Norroy that Ober is after him. They attend the reception at the Saxonian embassy in Washington some time later and recognize Ober. Norroy is apparently absorbed in a flirtation with a stranger, who in reality is Minna Ober. Her father is counting upon her to lure Norroy to an empty house. Minna is successful. Norroy is roughly pushed into a room and falls. He rises, brushes his clothes, annoyed by the dust and Ober informs him that unless he discloses the history of his defeat of their plans he will be put to death. He insists upon Norroy's writing the story in detail. Norroy complies, but asks permission to smoke a cigarette. He takes out his case and sees in its polished surface that Ober gives directions to shoot him when he has finished writing. He lights a cigarette, and smokes it in the intervals of writing the story. Then he lays the cigarette on the table and proceeds. The cigarette explodes, and Norroy makes his escape. When the smoke has cleared away, Ober and his daughter read on the paper, "Tell your chief that Yorke Norroy sends Max Ober back to the Bergenschloss to pay the penalty."

Dir: Reggie Morris

A fascinating piece of cinema that shares thematic elements.

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

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.

Dir: Vernon Stallings

Krazy Kat is held in jail and Ignatz finally bails him out after encountering "guilt".

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

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.

Dir: Robert Thornby

Mary Willard takes over her father's railroad after his death. Her major competitor is a ruthless crook named Harvey Judson. She arranges for Judson to be kidnapped and taken to an isolated spot deep in the forest and turned loose to fend for himself. She accompanies the kidnappers to the wild and Judson, not knowing who she is, begins to fall in love with her. Complications ensue.

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

Dir: Richard Smith

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.

Dir: Bud Fisher

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

A visual fragment from the archive: The thematic resonance of Homer Comes Home perfectly mirrors the editorial trajectory of our deep dive.

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.

Dir: Malcolm St. Clair

A dancing instructor gets involved with a newly rich family.