“Success” (1931): A Quaint Trip Back to Early Talkies

Watching "Success" (1931) Now

This little 1931 short, "Success," is probably not going to be anyone's new favorite movie today. But if you've got a soft spot for really early sound comedies, the kind that feel like a stage play caught on film, then *maybe* give it a peek. If you're looking for anything modern or even just slick, you'll likely want to skip this one entirely. It’s a real slice of its time.

The premise is simple enough. Elmer, played by John Hamilton, wants to marry Molly. Her dad, though, has some very specific ideas about what makes a good husband. He wants a ballplayer. Not just any ballplayer, a *good* one. This is where Elmer's troubles start, because his eyesight is, well, pretty bad.

You can tell this was made when talkies were still new. The camera mostly just sits there. People walk in, say their lines, and then walk out. It's less a movie, more like watching a radio play with pictures. 🎬

The whole baseball thing feels a bit forced, honestly. Like they needed a simple conflict for a short film. Elmer's attempts to impress Molly's father on the field are exactly what you'd expect. He swings, misses, and fumbles. There’s a gag where he tries to catch a ball and it just sails right past him, maybe hits someone. The sound effects are *very* clear, which is kinda funny for how basic everything else is.

One scene, I think it’s when Elmer first tries to play ball for the dad, just sort of drags. You keep waiting for the punchline, and it takes its sweet time getting there. It's almost like they were worried if they cut too fast, people wouldn't get the joke. Or maybe they just didn't have much B-roll. 🤔

And those glasses! The big reveal that he just needs a new pair is such a classic, almost *too* simple, solution. It’s charming in a way, but also makes you wonder why he didn't get them sooner. The plot isn’t exactly watertight, if you know what I mean.

It's interesting seeing some familiar names in the cast, even in these early roles. Jack Haley, for example. He's listed here, and of course, he'd go on to be the Tin Man in Oz. You don't really get to see much of his later charm in this one, though. Everyone's a bit stiff, acting for the camera like it's a suspicious stranger.

Phil Silvers is also in it, apparently. I honestly had to squint to spot him. He's probably in a blink-and-you-miss-it role, just another face in the crowd. It’s always fun to see these very early appearances from people who became much bigger names. Like finding a baby photo of a celebrity.

The humor is definitely of its era. It's broad, relies on physical gags, and isn't particularly subtle. There's a certain innocence to it, which can be refreshing sometimes. But don't expect any sharp wit or clever dialogue that holds up against time. It’s more like a series of sketches stitched together.

The whole "father's permission" thing and the expectation of Elmer becoming a ballplayer feels very old-fashioned. It’s a snapshot of what passed for light entertainment nearly a century ago. You can almost feel the movie *trying* to teach a very simple lesson about overcoming obstacles, even if that obstacle is just needing new spectacles. 👓

If you're a film student, or just a real movie buff who loves to see how things evolved, then sure, "Success" offers a quick look. It's not a forgotten masterpiece, not by a long shot. But it’s a piece of history, and sometimes that’s enough. For most people though, it’ll be a curiosity. Just a curiosity.

• The sets are super minimal. Looks like two rooms and a bit of a baseball field.
• The dialogue often sounds like people are yelling into a can. 🗣️
• Molly's father is quite the character, very specific about his ballplayers.
• Elmer's flailing around with the bat is the *most* memorable visual, for better or worse.
• The ending comes pretty abruptly, like they hit their time limit.