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Cheap Skates (1925): The Short Cult Classic You Need to See | Dbcult

Cheap Skates

Name: Cheap Skates
Director: Norman Taurog
Released: 1925
Cast: Spencer Bell, Lige Conley, Jack Lloyd, Stanley Blystone, Babe London

1925Norman TaurogIMDb: /10

Synopsis

Director

Norman Taurog

Cast

Jack Lloyd

Babe London

Estelle Bradley

Bonnie Barrett

Editor's Choice Analysis

Cheap Skates Review: A Roller-Skating Slapstick Gem or a Clumsy Mess?

Is Cheap Skates worth watching today? Short answer: yes, absolutely, especially if you have a penchant for the foundational slapstick that defined early cinema. This short film is an essential watch for enthusiasts of silent comedy, film historians, and anyone seeking a pure, unadulterated dose of physical humor. Howev...

Archivist John

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Filmography

Movies by Norman Taurog

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The Yankee Spirit

1923 · IMDb —

Hello Goodbye

1925 · IMDb —

Nobody's Business

1926 · IMDb 8

Aladdin

1922 · IMDb 7.7

Cast related

More from Jack Lloyd

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Analysis & IMDb Ratings

Cult cinema reviews

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Pluie d'or

1936IMDb5.3

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Sally, Irene and Mary

1925IMDb5.8

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Battle of the Cult

Intelligence Comparison

Comparing the cinematic DNA and archive impact of two defining moments in cult history.

1925

Cheap Skates

Norman Taurog

ScoreCult MeterScore

50%Popularity50%

#286Archive Rank#472

1920

Kids Is Kids

Charley Chase

Analyze Head-to-Head

Knowledge Base

Cheap Skates FAQ

The movie Cheap Skates was directed by Norman Taurog.

Cheap Skates was released in the year 1925.

Cheap Skates is a movie from United States.

Cheap Skates is categorised as Short, Comedy in the cult cinema archive at Dbcult.

Cheap Skates features Jack Lloyd, Babe London, Estelle Bradley, Bonnie Barrett.

The screenplay for Cheap Skates was written by Norman Taurog.

If you enjoy Cheap Skates, you might also like Kids Is Kids (1920), Lunatics in Politics (1920), His Royal Slyness (1920), Mary's Ankle (1920).

Yes, Cheap Skates (1925) is featured in the Dbcult archive as a curated cult cinema title, known for its Short and Comedy qualities.

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Summary

A leisurely day at the beach for Lige and his companions takes an absurd turn when a whimsical visit to a roller skating rink plunges him into a chaotic case of mistaken identity. Despite being an utterly inexperienced skater, Lige is inexplicably hailed as the world champion, his every stumble and awkward fall mistaken by the roaring crowd for deliberate, comedic brilliance. Compelled to perform an increasingly elaborate sequence of 'stunts,' the charade spirals into an uproarious spectacle until the truth of his amateur status inevitably surfaces. The ensuing pandemonium escalates further when a sudden, unfounded accusation of theft sends Lige fleeing from a pursuing mob, only for a swift intervention by a mysterious girl to resolve the misunderstanding surrounding the missing funds, bringing the farcical ordeal to an unexpected close.

Synopsis

Lige and his party are cavorting around the beach playing various games when they suddenly decide to visit the roller skating rink. There the announcement has just been made that the champion roller skater of the world will make his appearance that afternoon. Lige, an inexperienced skater, is taken for the champion and the crowd howls when they think his awkward falls are taken purposely. He is compelled to go through a complete program of stunts before it is revealed that he is not the champion. He is then rushed from the rink with the crowd in pursuit when it is announced he has stolen some money. The girl catches up with them and announces she took the money to avoid trouble.

Review Excerpt

"Is Cheap Skates worth watching today? Short answer: yes, absolutely, especially if you have a penchant for the foundational slapstick that defined early cinema. This short film is an essential watch for enthusiasts of silent comedy, film historians, and anyone seeking a pure, unadulterated dose of physical humor. However, it is decidedly not for those who demand intricate plots, sophisticated dialogue, or modern comedic sensibilities. This film works because of its relentless comedic energy and..."

Archivist John

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