Finn and Hattie: A Surprisingly Spry Old Comedy

"Finn and Hattie," this older flick, might actually be worth a look if you’re into quirky, fast-paced comedies from way back when. Folks who dig snappy dialogue and a bit of slapstick with a clever kid pulling strings will probably have a decent time. If you need super serious plots or modern effects, though, you’ll likely find it a bit dated and maybe even a little silly. It’s certainly not for everyone, but it has a charm.

Right from the start, you get that Mitzi Green, playing Hattie, is the real star here. She's got this _energy_. It’s not just a kid acting precocious; it’s a kid who genuinely feels like she’s two steps ahead of every adult in the room. Her schemes to mess with her cousin Finn (Ben Hall) are the highlights.

One moment, Hattie is convincing Finn that some mundane object is actually a valuable treasure, just to watch him guard it with comical seriousness. The way his face falls when the truth comes out? **Classic**. You can almost feel the movie trying to convince you this moment matters. 😂

Cinematic perspective: Exploring the visual vocabulary of Finn and Hattie (1931) through its definitive frames.

The pacing is pretty wild. It zips from one scenario to the next without much breathing room. It’s like the filmmakers were worried you’d get bored if there wasn’t a new gag every 30 seconds. Sometimes it works, other times it feels like a blur.

Then there’s the whole con artist subplot with Hattie’s dad. Hattie somehow manages to be the one untangling the mess, not in a preachy way, but with genuinely smart little moves. It’s a bit much to ask a child to be _that_ good at outsmarting grown-up criminals, but hey, it’s a movie. And it’s fun to watch her pull it off.

I remember this one scene where a con artist, played by Regis Toomey, gets tangled up in one of Hattie's 'helpful' interventions. He’s trying to look sophisticated, but Hattie just keeps finding ways to make him look utterly foolish. The sheer persistence in her eyes is something else.

Cinematic perspective: Exploring the visual vocabulary of Finn and Hattie (1931) through its definitive frames.

Zasu Pitts pops up too, and she brings her usual brand of nervous, wide-eyed charm. Her reactions to the chaos around her are often funnier than the actual gags themselves. One reaction shot lingers so long it becomes funny, you know?

The film isn't trying to be profound. It’s a vehicle for Mitzi Green’s considerable talent and a series of lighthearted escapades. There are no deep messages hidden here, which is actually quite refreshing. It’s just a good time.

The dialogue is snappy, very much of its era. Some lines hit perfectly, others feel a bit… *canned*. But when Hattie delivers a zinger, it really lands. It's a surprising amount of wit for a movie that could have easily just relied on physical comedy.

Cinematic perspective: Exploring the visual vocabulary of Finn and Hattie (1931) through its definitive frames.

Honestly, the ending feels a little rushed. It ties things up, sure, but it feels less like a natural conclusion and more like, 'Okay, time to wrap this up.' But by then, you've probably had enough lighthearted silliness to not mind too much.

It’s a breezy watch. Not something you’ll obsess over, but a perfectly pleasant way to spend an hour or so, especially if you have a soft spot for these older, less complicated comedies. Think less A Doll's House and more, well, just fun kid chaos.

Didja notice?

• Hattie’s little sideways glances before she pulls a prank. She’s definitely plotting.
• The way Finn always seems to be wearing something slightly too big for him.
• A background extra in the café scene kept looking directly at the camera. A small oops!
• The costumes are very period, but Hattie's little outfits always seem to have an extra spark.
• One of the con artists has a mustache that looks like it was drawn on with a marker.