Recommendations
Senior Film Conservator

The evocative power of Whys and Otherwise (1927) continues to haunt audiences with its unique vision, the artistic provocations of Whys and Otherwise demand a follow-up of equal intensity. Explore the following titles to broaden your appreciation for Comedy excellence.
The visceral impact of Whys and Otherwise (1927) stems from to transcend the limitations of its 1927 budget and technology.
Felix the Cat comes home late after a night of drunken revelry at a nightclub. He tells his rolling pin-wielding wife three ludicrous tales to explain himself.
The influence of Otto Messmer in Whys and Otherwise can be felt in the way modern Comedy films handle unique vision. From the specific lighting choices to the pacing, this 1927 release set a high bar for atmospheric immersion.
Based on the unique unique vision of Whys and Otherwise, our vault has identified these titles as the most compelling follow-up experiences for fans of Comedy cinema:
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.
View Details
Dir: Frank Moser
The simple story is about two siblings, little brother Bud and big sister Susie. After they've been reading "Huckleberry Finn" they dream of adventures on the Mississippi River.
View Details
Dir: Otto Messmer
Master Tom (later known as Felix the Cat) helps a boy ditch his piano lesson to go swimming.
View Details
Dir: Malcolm St. Clair
A dancing instructor gets involved with a newly rich family.
View Details
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.
View Details
Dir: Ralph Ince
A fascinating piece of cinema that shares thematic elements.
View Details
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.
View Details
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.
View Details
Dir: Otto Messmer
The animated cat, now officially named "Felix", does a fishing trip to the lake with two human kid friends and soon encounters a hungry crocodile.
View Details
Dir: Vernon Stallings
Krazy Kat is held in jail and Ignatz finally bails him out after encountering "guilt".
View DetailsAnalysis relative to Whys and Otherwise
| Film Title | Atmosphere | Complexity | Similarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lunatics in Politics | Ethereal | Dense | 97% Match |
| Down the Mississippi | Gritty | Linear | 92% Match |
| Musical Mews | Ethereal | Dense | 87% Match |
| Don't Weaken! | Tense | Dense | 89% Match |
| Homer Comes Home | Ethereal | Linear | 93% Match |
This guide was algorithmically generated using the cinematic metadata of Otto Messmer's archive. Last updated: 6/26/2026.
Back to Whys and Otherwise Details →