A Miss in the Dark

In the labyrinthine landscape of 1920s short-form cinema, 'A Miss in the Dark' emerges as a masterclass in kinetic misunderstanding and the 'Go-Getter' ethos. The narrative propels George O'Hara and Alberta Vaughn through a nocturnal odyssey of errors, where the literal and metaphorical absence of light serves as the primary antagonist. Far from a mere slapstick romp, the plot weaves a sophisticated web of social ambition and romantic friction, as our protagonists navigate a series of high-stakes social blunders triggered by obscured identities. Under the pen of George Marion Jr., the film transcends its comedic roots to explore the frantic pace of American urbanity, where a single missed cue in the shadows can derail a reputation. The screenplay utilizes the 'miss'—a failure to connect, a failure to see—as a rhythmic device, punctuating the physical comedy with a sharp, satirical edge that critiques the desperation of the upwardly mobile middle class.