***Robert Benchley's final short for MGM (he would return to the studio in a few years), moving to Paramount, allowing him to work on other projects, including for Hitchcock. He next co-starred in Hitch's Oscar winning adventure, FOREIGN CORRESPONDENT.

No killers and spies here, rather all about Benchley (Joe Doakes) showing off his "prize" home movies. He throws a little dinner party for guests -- who have NO choice -- but sit through and watch a home-made film about his recent lakeside family vacation. Fun stuff?

Everything goes wrong for this goof-ball, who simply doesn't know how to use a camera. Try watching a movie OUT OF FOCUS(?), or running backwards? Hilarious disaster, perhaps done as a "reminder" to all us fellow amateur movie addicts to pay closer attention to detail? Also comes the question; Did Doakes film this while enjoying a cocktail or two? You'd have to gassed to put something like this together!

Among the dinner guests are Marie Blake (later known as Blossom Rock), famous for playing Grandmama on the ADDAMS FAMILY. Marie's sister was Jeannette MacDonald. Hobart Cavanaugh, who played Doakes' brother-in-law, is billed as a guest this time around.

Directed by acclaimed film editor Basil Wrangell, who adds the professional touch.

Remastered box set via MGM. Some of Benchley's short films are added to movie dvd releases. Thanks TCM for the memories.

The satire subgenre uses humor, irony, exaggeration, and parody to critique and comment on various aspects of society, culture, politics, institutions, and human behavior. Satires aim to provoke thought, highlight absurdities, and expose hypocrisy by presenting familiar situations in a distorted or exaggerated manner. They entertain while also providing social commentary and encouraging viewers to reflect on the subjects being criticized.

Peter Sellers in Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)

The comedy genre refers to a category of entertainment that aims to amuse and entertain audiences by using humor, wit, and comedic situations. Comedies are created with the primary intention of eliciting laughter and providing lighthearted enjoyment. They encompass a wide range of styles, tones, and themes, appealing to various tastes and audiences.

Will Ferrell, Angela Grillo, and Lap-Gei Cheung in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)

The short form refers to creative works characterized by their brevity and concise storytelling. Unlike full-length feature films, short films have a running time of less than 45 minutes, while TV shorts have a running time of less than 22 minutes.

Benedict Cumberbatch in The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar (2023)

Blunderer Robert Benchley is going to show some house guests the film he and his wife took on a vacation trip. He sets up the projector and the reel begins...and nothing good happens for Benchley from this point.

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