Movie spotlight
Believe It or Not #2
The second entry in the Believe It or Not series of shorts begins with Robert Ripley in his office sorting his mail. At the time he received about one million pieces of mail per year, more than any other individual. He shows the audience several of the more oddly addressed envelopes. These include one addressed in Morse code; one in Hebrew, one using the naval flag code; and one with a small tear to the left of a picture of Robert E. Lee (i.e., "Rip + Lee" = Ripley). A U.S. marshal then enters the office and arrests Ripley. Vitaphone No. 1038.
Insights
Plot Summary
This short film is part of the 'Believe It or Not' series, which showcases unusual and astonishing facts, oddities, and curiosities from around the world. Each installment presents a collection of bizarre yet true stories, often focusing on unique human achievements, peculiar natural phenomena, and strange historical occurrences. The series aimed to surprise and entertain audiences with the unbelievable aspects of reality.
Critical Reception
As a short film series from 1930, specific critical reviews are scarce. However, the 'Believe It or Not' shorts were generally popular for their novelty and the intriguing nature of the facts presented, tapping into a public fascination with the strange and extraordinary. They served as a popular form of light entertainment.
What Reviewers Say
Showcases fascinating and often bizarre facts.
Provides a glimpse into the unusual aspects of the world.
Entertaining and surprising short-form content for its era.
Google audience: Due to the age and format of this short film, specific audience reviews are not available. However, the 'Believe It or Not' franchise in general was known for capturing public imagination with its unusual content.
Fun Fact
The original 'Ripley's Believe It or Not!' cartoons and subsequent media were created by cartoonist Robert Ripley, who often traveled the world in search of bizarre facts to include in his work.
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