

Does It Pay?
John Weston leaves his wife and kids to marry adventuress Doris Clark and loses his mind when he realizes his mistake. A lost film.
Insights
Plot Summary
A wealthy and arrogant young man, accustomed to a life of luxury, is challenged by his father to earn his own living for a month. He is given a small amount of money and told to make it grow. The young man, completely out of his element, struggles to find work and experiences the harsh realities of poverty. Through a series of comedic misadventures and lessons learned, he begins to understand the value of hard work and integrity.
Critical Reception
As a short comedy from the silent era, "Does It Pay?" is primarily remembered for its early glimpse into the comedic talents of Erich von Stroheim, who would later become known for his more dramatic and intense roles. Reviews from the time likely focused on the film's amusing premise and its straightforward moral lesson, typical of shorts produced during this period. Its reception is largely historical, with modern critical analysis focusing on its place in early Hollywood comedy and the evolution of its stars.
What Reviewers Say
- The film offers a lighthearted and simple moral lesson about the value of hard work.
- Erich von Stroheim's presence provides early comedic appeal, showcasing a different facet of his acting abilities.
- A typical silent short of its era, focusing on a clear narrative and humorous situations.
Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews for this silent short film from 1923 is not readily available.
Fun Fact
While Erich von Stroheim is more famous for directing and starring in dramas like "Greed" and "Foolish Wives," "Does It Pay?" showcases his early work in comedy and his versatility as an actor.
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