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6.6/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 6.6/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. The Nickel Nurser remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
If you like old-school slapstick and don't mind a story that moves faster than it makes sense, sure, give it a go. It’s perfect for a lazy afternoon. If you need a movie that follows a logical path or takes its plot seriously, you’ll probably want to skip this one entirely.
Charley Chase always has this look on his face like he’s one second away from a total nervous breakdown. It works perfectly here. He’s trying to be the professional efficiency expert, but he’s constantly being derailed by the chaos of a millionaire’s mansion. Honestly, it’s relatable.
There’s this bit with a piece of furniture that goes on for a little too long. You know the kind—where someone is trying to move something and it just keeps getting stuck in doorways? It stops being funny after the second time, then starts being funny again because of how *insistently* awkward it gets.
Thelma Todd is in this, and she’s just effortlessly great. She has this way of reacting to Charley’s antics that makes the whole scene feel grounded, even when they’re basically throwing props at each other. It’s a nice change of pace from some of the more manic shorts I’ve seen lately, like Bull and Sand, where everything just feels like a blur.
It’s not a masterpiece. It doesn’t try to be. It’s just a collection of gags held together by a thin thread of a story. Sometimes that’s exactly what you need. It reminded me a bit of the energy in The Biggest Show on Earth, but way more contained.
I found myself wondering if they actually broke anything expensive on set. Some of those falls looked way too real. 😬
Anyway, watch it for the faces Charley makes. The man was a human cartoon. It’s short, it’s silly, and it doesn’t overstay its welcome. That’s a win in my book.