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Grandma's Child Synopsis

"Some people have bright futures; others are married," says an opening title even before we glimpse the protagonists illustrating that bleak sentiment in this nonetheless frantic silent comedy. Bobby Ray stars as the husband whose mutual sub-bliss with a blonde flapper wife is sustained by her mother's cheques (which were intended to support the offspring they haven't bothered to have). When the suspicious mother-in-law pays a visit, the shameless duo pull out all stops to provide a baby... anyone's baby! A juvenile star (as Bobby Feuhrer) turned antic male-ingenue comedian, Bobby Ray gave up acting shortly after this two-reeler. He went on to a long second career as an assistant director, stretching from 1930s "B" westerns to 1950s TV series episodes. - Dennis Harvey

Mary's Ankle Synopsis

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.