The Runaround

A determined salesman, Joe, attempts to sell a car to a wealthy and eccentric gentleman, Mr. Petrovitch. Despite Petrovitch's peculiar behavior and constant attempts to evade him, Joe perseveres, encountering various comical obstacles and misunderstandings along the way. The film follows Joe's increasingly desperate and absurd efforts to close the deal.

As a short comedy from 1931, 'The Runaround' is primarily viewed as a showcase for Joe E. Brown's burgeoning comedic talents. While not widely reviewed by contemporary major critics, its reception among audiences of the era likely centered on Brown's physical comedy and fast-talking persona, which were popular in early sound films. It's generally seen as a lighthearted and amusing piece of its time.

• Joe E. Brown's energetic performance is the main draw.

• The short format keeps the gags moving quickly.

• A typical example of early sound-era slapstick comedy.

Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this specific short film is not readily available.

This short film was part of Warner Bros.' Vitaphone sound shorts series, which were crucial in the transition from silent films to talkies.