Interesting from a historical sense, but otherwise who cares?!

This is pretty typical of many of the short films from the first few years of the "talkies". Since recorded voices were such the rage, these and full-length films tended to rely too much on voices--and as a result, TONS of musicals and vaudeville comedians were instant stars. It wasn't until about 1931 or 32 that the films tended to have deeper plots and better acting. It is in this context that this short was made. The fast-talking (and not particularly funny) comedian, Lew Fields, is the star of this film. He owns a restaurant and spends most of the film instructing his new waiters on how to be successful--by being grouchy, unapproachable and indifferent! This is a somewhat cute idea, but Fields' delivery is poor and the film is flat. The only interesting moment was the film's punchline--a surprising apparent gay reference. My advice--seek out a Laurel and Hardy film. They made a great transition to sound AND didn't talk the audience to death!

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)

Outdoor restaurant owner Otto Ott has trouble hiring waiters and gets only grief from his wife.

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"The Gentlemen" and "Slow Horses" return this fall, while the "Reacher" spin-off series "Neagley" makes its debut. See our guide of the biggest Fall TV and streaming releases.

2026 Fall TV and Streaming Watch Guide

&quot;The Gentlemen&quot; and &quot;Slow Horses&quot; return this fall, while the &quot;Reacher&quot; spin-off series &quot;Neagley&quot; makes its debut. See our guide of the biggest Fall TV and streaming releases.

Get a closer look at these actors from their many TV and streaming series roles.

Streaming Stars, Then and Now

Henry Tarvainen and John Labow in Winter Kept Us Warm (1965)

Louis Armstrong, Walter Catlett, Harold Huber, Allen Jenkins, Anita Louise, Dick Powell, and Maxine Sullivan in Going Places (1938)

Charles Laughton and Dorothy Peterson in Payment Deferred (1932)

Charles Laughton, Robert Taylor, and Brian Donlevy in Stand by for Action (1942)

Lew Fields and Helen Goodhue in 23 -- Skidoo (1930)

Lew Fields and Gloria Shea in 23 -- Skidoo (1930)

23 -- Skidoo

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