Slipper Episode: A bizarre little romp about a shoe

Is this actually worth the time?

If you like movies that feel like a dusty stage play found in an attic, you’ll probably get a kick out of this. It’s light, a bit silly, and doesn't demand much brainpower. If you need grit, high stakes, or a plot that makes sense, stay far away. 👞

The whole premise starts with a husband being remarkably dramatic about a lost slipper. I mean, we’ve all misplaced things, but he acts like it's the end of the world. He orders his wife to get it back, which seems like a massive overreaction.

Enter Beatrice, played by Betty Stockfeld. She’s the one who gets roped into this wild goose chase to Switzerland. It’s funny watching her try to navigate this absurd request while everyone else is just kind of milling about.

There's a scene near the middle where Georges decides to follow her. The way the camera lingers on them walking through these train station sets—it’s very clearly a soundstage. You can almost see the wires of the production if you squint hard enough. It gives the whole thing a strange, dreamlike quality that I didn't hate.

Sometimes the dialogue feels like it’s being shouted from the back of a theater. I’m not sure if it’s the audio quality or just the style of the time, but it’s loud. It’s hard not to compare it to the slightly more polished work in Becky Sharp, though they are playing in totally different leagues.

Is it a masterpiece? Hardly. It’s more of a curio. It moves fast, doesn't overstay its welcome, and features enough people running around to keep your eyes busy. I kept waiting for a deep thematic reveal about marriage or obsession, but it never comes. Honestly? I’m glad it didn’t.

Some of the background actors are doing way too much. There’s one guy in a hat near the station who seems to be trying to steal the scene just by walking in a circle. It’s hypnotic, in a way.

If you’re looking for a double feature, maybe pair it with something like Let's Be Ritzy just to keep the vibe consistently odd and light. Don't expect to remember much about the plot tomorrow. I barely remember it now, and I just finished it.

• The slipper itself is remarkably boring looking.
• The travel sequences are clearly just people sitting in chairs in front of moving curtains.
• Betty Stockfeld carries most of the heavy lifting here.
• The husband is still the worst, honestly.

It’s fine. It’s short. It’s a bit of a weird artifact. Watch it if you’re bored on a Tuesday afternoon. 🍿