Checking in on Hollywood's day off: Screen Snapshots 15-8

Wait, what is this?

If you're a fan of the old studio era, you'll probably find this charming. If you need a movie to actually go somewhere, skip it. It’s less of a film and more of a home movie that accidentally got famous.

Ralph Staub basically just took his camera to where the stars were hanging out. We get to see Lila Lee and Patsy Ruth Miller running a dress shop, which feels bizarrely domestic compared to their usual work. It’s like watching your high school teacher at the grocery store. You just don't expect it.

The Highlights

• Ruth Chatterton landing an actual airplane. She looks like she’s having more fun than anyone else in the reel.
• Jackie Cooper at a rifle range. He looks so young, it’s almost distracting.
• The roller skating segment with Binnie Barnes and Mona Barrie. It’s a bit of a mess, honestly. They spend most of the time tripping over themselves.

It’s weirdly fun to watch these people be... people. There's none of the heavy drama you see in something like Shadows. It’s just light, airy stuff.

The pacing is all over the place. One minute you’re watching a plane land, the next you're watching two women fall down on skates. It’s not meant to be analyzed, just watched with a cup of coffee. It’s got that grainy, slightly scratched look that makes you realize just how old this stuff really is. 🎞️

Sometimes, the camera lingers on a shot for way too long. There's a moment where someone is just standing there, and you can see them realizing they're on camera. They start doing that awkward smile-and-wave thing. It’s endearing, in a way.

It’s not a masterpiece, but it’s a nice break from the usual heavy-handed stuff. It’s just a weird little slice of 1930s life. Worth it if you’re bored, I guess.