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6.9/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 6.9/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. One Track Minds remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
Okay, so "One Track Minds" from way back in 1933? Yeah, surprisingly, it's still a good watch if you're into classic slapstick and folks like Thelma Todd or Zasu Pitts. If you love fast-paced, sometimes silly, old-school comedy, you'll probably have a grand old time. But if you need deep plots or modern slickness, this ain't it, and you'll likely just find it a bit dusty. 🚂
Thelma and Zasu Pitts, they’re such a great duo, and their chemistry really carries this one. Zasu's signature flustered look, like her eyes are about to pop out, is just perfect here. She plays off Thelma’s more grounded, but still very funny, reactions.
There's this one bit early on, and it’s kinda random, where a bunch of hats just keep getting knocked off people's heads. It’s not really going anywhere plot-wise, just pure chaotic energy. Like, why are hats such a target? I wonder if that was a running gag in a lot of films back then.
And then there's Spanky McFarland, who makes an appearance. He's just a little kid, and honestly, he's just there to be cute and cause some minor trouble. You just kinda smile when he’s on screen, him with his big eyes. He's not integral to the main plot really, more like a bonus dose of charm. The way he just wanders through the chaos, totally unfazed, is pretty funny.
Billy Gilbert, the master of the sneeze, gets his moments too. You hear that build-up, and you know what's coming. It’s a classic move, and it still works. I found myself waiting for it, almost. It’s like a little comedy punctuation mark in the film.
The train car itself, it's a character in its own way. So many doors, so many places for people to pop in and out. It felt a bit like a stage play sometimes, with everyone just confined to that one space, making the most of it. The sets are, you know, studio sets, nothing fancy, but they do the job for the gags.
The trouble with getting to the screen test is pretty much a series of escalating misunderstandings. Someone's trying to get into someone else's compartment, someone's hiding, someone's trying to avoid a crazy person. It’s all very much what you’d expect, but done with a good energy. Thelma's exasperation, it's palpable. She just wants to get to Hollywood, and everything is against her.
I did notice the sound, it’s a bit crackly sometimes. But for a film from 1933, it’s remarkably clear in other spots. Especially the dialogue, which is quite important for the timing of some of the jokes. You can hear every sigh from Zasu.
One scene, where a character tries to sneak past another, it goes on just a smidge too long. You can almost feel the director thinking, “Okay, one more time with the sneaking!” But then the payoff is decent, so you don't mind too much. It’s part of that slightly messy, improvisational feel these shorts sometimes have.
The ending, it wraps things up quickly. Don't expect some grand resolution. It’s a short, so they get the laughs, resolve the immediate problem, and then roll the credits. No big deep thoughts, just a good time.
So, is it a forgotten gem? Maybe not a gem, but it is a fun-time capsule. If you like films that don't take themselves too seriously, with some classic faces doing what they do best, then give "One Track Minds" a shot. You might even find yourself chuckling out loud, just like I was. 😊
IMDb —
1919
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