Sweet Cookie: A weirdly frantic mess from 1933

Is it worth your time?

Honestly, only if you’re deep into the weeds of early thirties comedy shorts. It’s for the folks who get a kick out of that specific, high-pitched frantic energy where everyone is yelling over each other. If you hate movies where the “plot” is just an excuse for people to hide in closets, stay away. It’s not exactly Michael and Mary in terms of storytelling, that’s for sure. 🍪

The whole thing feels like a stage play that someone forgot to edit. Marjorie Beebe is trying her best, but the script is basically just people bumping into each other. It’s got that weird, grainy charm where you can almost smell the old set.

The highlight of the madness

The motorcycle cop stuff is actually kinda funny in a really dumb way. Matt McHugh has this way of looking annoyed that feels very real, like he’s actually tired of the movie he’s in. There’s a scene in the park that goes on for a bit too long, but it’s got this weird, low-budget vibe that I kind of loved. It reminded me a bit of the chaos in Bimbo's Express, but without the animation to hide the cracks.

• Franklin Pangborn is doing his usual thing, which is being nervous.
• The prohibition subplot feels tacked on, like they needed to fill five extra minutes.
• There’s a specific door slam around the middle that is way too loud.
• Nobody seems to actually be cooking anything in this kitchen.

It’s not trying to be a masterpiece. It’s just a twenty-minute blip in 1933. I wouldn't call it a lost classic, but it’s definitely not boring. Sometimes you just need to watch people run around in circles until the credits roll. Don't go looking for deep meaning here. Just watch the door slams. They're pretty good.