Summary
In Charles Lamont's delightful 1929 short, "Raisin' Cain," young Bobby, scion of the town's wealthiest family, feigns a severe illness to shirk his maternal duties. Attended by a doting mother, two nurses, and a bewildered doctor, Bobby’s luxurious sickbed is mere yards from a spirited neighborhood baseball game. As his friends desperately need his pinch-hitting prowess, Bobby, still in his nightgown, executes a daring escape, hits a game-winning home run, and races back to bed, his heavy breathing misinterpreted by the doctor as a worsening condition. This audacious charade repeats, but a rival's errant tomato splatters Bobby's face, leading the doctor to a new diagnosis: measles. The plot culminates in a spontaneous, quarantined house party when the boys, retrieving a baseball, are confined indoors. Bobby, not truly ill, orchestrates a grand Charleston contest and an uproarious bathing party in the opulent bathroom, until the 'measles' are literally washed away, revealing his deception and sending the young rascals home, chastened but undoubtedly wiser.
Synopsis
Bobby is playing sick to get out of some work his mother has told him to do. He is in bed and the doctor is visiting him. His mother and two nurses are also in attendance for Bobby is the son of the richest family in town. But Bobby is all boy-and out on the lot near his window his boy friends are playing base-ball. Bobby is their pinch hitter, but can not get out to play. The score is tied and the team needs his services and they get a message to him. Bobby gets out of bed, still in his nightgown, races to the plate, swings and knocks a home run and keeps on running back to his bed. The doctor come's in again and notices his heavy breathing and declares that he is in a serious condition. Again the score is tied and again Bobby sneaks out to make the winning run. This time some jealous rival throws a tomato which splatters Bobby's face with the juice and when he gets back in bed the doctor declares that he has the measles. The kids outside continue their game until the ball is finally knocked through the window. "Pal" is sent in to get it but fails-and the kids stream in to recover the ball. They are discovered and quarantined in the house. As Bobby is not sick, they plan a wonderful time. He proposes a Charleston contest and the kids don the clothes of the grown-ups and have their party. Then some one proposes a bathing party in the big bathroom. The bunch disport themselves in the spacious tub until they are discovered. Then it is noticed that the "measles" have all washed off of Bobby's face-and the kids are sent home, sadder and wiser.
Review Excerpt
"Short answer: yes, but with a significant caveat. Is Charles Lamont's 1929 short film, Raisin' Cain, worth your time today? Absolutely, if you approach it as a historical artifact with unexpected comedic timing, rather than expecting modern narrative sophistication. This charming relic from the early sound era offers a fascinating glimpse into the nascent stages of cinematic storytelling, particularly for those with an appreciation for slapstick and the innocent mischief of youth. However, it is..."
