MGM jumped on the Roosevelt bandwagon with this attempt to explain (which it actually does, albeit very simplistically) how inflation is about to make everyones' lives better. Steel pipe is used as the example commodity, interconnecting a 2-piece suit, elective surgery and a new car in the economic circle. While Pete Smith makes his usual hypo-nasal narration, this short is well conceived. Think about it: how do you entertainingly explain Keynesian economics to an audience who just paid their quarters to see Marie Dressler lock horns with Wally Beery? It works--- sadly, the Depression itself deepened shortly after this was all explained so succinctly, making any explanation sadly ironic. When you watch this (where else but TCM?), keep in mind that L.B. Mayer was the least progressive of all major studio heads, having enthusiastically rubbed elbows with Hoover. The final 30-seconds of the short could've been cranked out by Warner's pro-FDR PR department, and left me with the feeling that MGM resigned itself to just getting on board with the times.

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)

An attempt to explain the economic cycle of inflation and unemployment.

The Biggest Movies and TV Coming in September

See which big screen releases you can watch from the comfort of your couch.

Theatrical Releases Coming to Streaming

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

Streaming Stars, Then and Now

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios - 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, California, USA

Frank Novak Jr. in Rambling 'Round Radio Row #10 (1934)

Micheline Cheirel, Ann Hunter, Dick Powell, and Walter Slezak in Cornered (1945)

Robert Benchley and Harlan Briggs in Opening Day (1938)

Lupe Velez and Donald Woods in The Girl from Mexico (1939)

John Barrymore, Louise Campbell, and John Howard in Bulldog Drummond's Peril (1938)

Jane Harker and George O'Hanlon in So You Want to Hold Your Wife (1947)

Servant of the People: The Story of the Constitution of the United States

Servant of the People: The Story of the Constitution of the United States (1937)

Spencer Tracy, Katharine Alexander, and Valli Roberts in The Hard Guy (1930)

Inflation

Photos1

Top Cast3

User reviews1

More like this

Related interests

Storyline

Did you know

Top picks

Details

Tech specs

Contribute to this page

More to explore

Recently viewed