Cruel & Unusual Comedy at MOMA (NY) May 20-June 1, 2009

Cruel and Unusual Comedy: Social Commentary in the American Slapstick Film

May 20, 2009–June 1, 2009


Gratuitous Violence: No Turn Unstoned
Wednesday, May 27, 2009, 7:00 p.m.
With piano accompaniment by Ben Model

  • Deep Sea Panic 1924. USA. Directed by Roy Del Ruth. With James Parrott. 12 min.
  • Their First Execution 1913. USA. Directed by Mack Sennett. With Ford Sterling. 10 min.
  • The Phoney Cannibal 1915. USA. Directed by Charles E. Ward. With Lloyd Hamilton, Bud Duncan. 10 min.
  • The Counter Jumper 1922. USA. Directed by Larry Semon. With Semon, Oliver Hardy. 18 min.
  • Cold Hearts and Hot Flames 1916. USA. Directed by John G. Blystone. With Billie Ritchie. 20 min


Animals and Children: No Harm Done
Friday, May 29, 2009, 4:00 p.m
With piano accompaniment by Ben Model

  • An Elephant on His Hands 1912. USA. Directed by Frederick Thomson. With George Ober. 10 min.
  • Cat, Dog, and Co. 1929. USA. Directed by Anthony Mack. With the Our Gang kids. 18 min.
  • Mind the Baby 1924. USA. Directed by Al Herman. With Pal the dog. 18 min.
  • The Knockout 1923. USA. Directed by Len Powers. With the Dippy-Doo-Dads. 10 min.
  • When Summer Comes 1922. USA. Directed by Roy Del Ruth. With Billy Bevan. 18 min.


The Machine Age: Mack Sennett vs. Henry Ford
Monday, June 1, 2009, 4:00 p.m.
With piano accompaniment by Ben Model

  • Lizzies of the Field 1924. USA. Directed by Del Lord. With Billy Bevan. 18 min.
  • His Bread and Butter 1916. USA. Directed by Edward Cline, Hank Mann. With Mann, Slim Summerville. 18 min.
  • Get Out and Get Under 1920. USA. Directed by Hal Roach. With Harold Lloyd. 18 min.
  • Squeaks and Squawks 1920. USA. Directed by Noel M. Smith. With Jimmy Aubrey, Oliver Hardy. 18 min.
  • Neck and Neck 1924. USA. Directed by Fred Hibbard. With Lige Conley. 18 min.

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