Frank Buxton Silent Film Festival: Comedy Shorts

The 2nd hundred years

1927 | 23 MIN

Stan and Ollie, two inmates, escape from prison by digging a tunnel but accidentally surface in the warden’s office, leading to their capture and return to their cell. Undeterred, they disguise themselves as painters and sneak out during a meal break, only to attract a policeman’s attention and hijack a limousine, posing as French dignitaries. At a governor’s banquet, their charade unravels amidst a series of comical blunders, culminating in a chase that sends them back to prison.

No Publicity

1927 | 21 MIN

“No Publicity” is a short comedy featuring Eddie Howard, a publicity agent with a knack for unconventional and humorous promotional tactics. Eddie’s quirky methods to generate buzz for a new play lead to a cascade of comedic mishaps and misunderstandings involving the play’s star, Sally Lawrence, and other high society figures. The film unfolds with a series of lighthearted and amusing situations, delivering an entertaining storyline full of laughs.

Easy Street

1917 | 24 MIN

When Charlie the Tramp stumbles into a mission and falls for Edna, he returns the stolen collection box and reforms himself into a policeman. Assigned to the gritty Easy Street, Charlie faces off against the formidable Eric the Tough, ultimately subduing him by tricking him into a gas pipe. Charlie’s heroics not only aid the impoverished community but also lead to Eric’s redemption, as he rescues Edna, transforms Easy Street, and overcomes his own adversities.

Live accompaniment by Andrew Shields