In Again, Out Again
In Again, Out Again

Movie spotlight

In Again, Out Again

1917
Movie
50 min
English

A young man drowns his sorrows in strong drink when jilted by his girl. His drunkenness gets him thrown in jail, where he falls in love with the jailer's daughter. When released, the young man tries everything to get back into the jail - though when he is mistaken for an anarchist bomber, he finds himself facing not just jail, but execution.

Insights

Director: Edward F. ClineGenres: Comedy, Short, Silent Film

Plot Summary

A naive young man, eager to prove his worth, gets himself arrested for vagrancy, believing he can reform himself in jail. However, his optimistic expectations of a structured and rehabilitative environment are quickly dashed as he encounters the chaotic reality of prison life. He soon finds himself longing for the freedom he once took for granted.

Critical Reception

As a silent comedy short from the early 20th century, 'In Again, Out Again' was part of a prolific era for slapstick and comedic shorts. Contemporary reviews often focused on the comedic timing and physical gags, which were typical of the genre. While specific critical analysis is scarce for such an old short, its survival and inclusion in retrospectives suggest it was considered a competent example of its kind, likely enjoyed by audiences for its lighthearted humor.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its straightforward comedic premise and energetic performances.

  • Noted for its reliance on physical humor and slapstick sequences.

  • Considered a typical, enjoyable example of early 20th-century silent comedy shorts.

Google audience: Information not available for this early silent film.

Fun Fact

This short film is notable for featuring an early appearance by Robert "Slim" Summerville, who would go on to a prolific career in Hollywood comedies.

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