Summary
In this 1926 silent-era subversion, Johnny Arthur plays a domestic doormat whose existence is defined by the whims of his abusive siblings. Johnny is the 'step-on'—a literal punching bag for his two older brothers, who treat his aspirations with systematic cruelty. When Johnny secures tickets to the Motorman’s Ball and a date with Virginia, his brother George doesn't just steal the opportunity; he strips Johnny of his only suit and his dignity. Left alone with a primitive radio set, Johnny defies a direct order to stay away from the technology, tuning into a 'bedtime story' that triggers a vivid, hallucinatory escape. In this dreamscape, a fairy godmother transforms a pile of trash into a motorcoach and rags into high-society fashion. The fantasy follows the traditional Cinderella arc but pivots into a chaotic brawl at the ball, where Johnny finally exerts the physical dominance he lacks in reality. However, the midnight deadline remains a cruel master. As the clock strikes twelve, Johnny’s finery and transportation disintegrate in a sequence of increasingly frantic visual gags, returning him to his chair just in time to face the physical wrath of his returning brothers. It is a cynical loop of a story where the only victory is a sarcastic 'Good Night' to a radio announcer.
Synopsis
Johnny is a step on-which mean that the family steps on him every chance it gets. His two big brothers bully him incessantly. Johnny has two tickets to the Motorman's Ball and has asked Virginia to accompany him. George, his brother, makes Johnny press his clothes and when Johnny burns them he takes Johnny's only suit-also the ticket and also take Virginia to the ball. Johnny settles down to listen to the radio, but George tell him to keep away from it. When the family is out of the house Johnny defies his brother and places the phone on his ears, listening to a "bedtime story." He falls asleep and dreams a wonderful dream. A fairy appears and with a pass of her wand dresses him in the best fitting clothes. From a pile of tin cans she makes a magic coach-a flivver with footman and driver and they drive to the ball. The fairy remembers he has forgotten something and appears at the ball and warns Johnny that he must be home by midnight for his fine raiment will disappear then. Johnny has a fine time at the ball but it ends in disaster when he is forced to take a picture of the guest. A fight starts and Johnny is victorious in outwitting his enemies but he looks at the clock-and it is two minutes to twelve. He races to his coach and starts for home-but the coach dissolves into a stack of cans beneath his feet. His collar leaves him, his coat flies away, his vest follows and just as he enters the door his trousers leave him. He regains his chair just as the brothers return from the ball. George takes a punch at Johnny for listening to the radio set just as the announcer says "Goodnight, lads and lassies of radioland" - and Johnny echoes-"GOOD NIGHT"
Review Excerpt
"Short answer: yes, but only if you appreciate the specific brand of mean-spirited slapstick that defined the mid-1920s. This isn't a whimsical fairy tale for children; it’s a cynical look at a man on the brink of a nervous breakdown.This film is for silent comedy enthusiasts who enjoy technical experimentation and the 'loser-hero' archetype. It is absolutely not for those who find domestic bullying uncomfortable or who prefer the polished, sentimental narratives of modern romantic comedies.Is th..."
