Beauty Parlor
Film follows the romantic exploits of two depression-era manicurists, one of whom is being woo'd by a true gentleman of means, the other of whom lets herself become a pawn of operators of a call-girl ring.
Insights
Plot Summary
A meek man is forced to work in a beauty parlor, enduring various indignities and comical mishaps as he tries to make a living. He encounters a cast of eccentric characters and finds himself in increasingly absurd situations within the salon. The film is a series of gags centered around the world of beauty treatments and customer service.
Critical Reception
As a short comedy from 1932, "Beauty Parlor" received limited contemporary critical reviews. Its primary aim was lighthearted entertainment through slapstick and situational humor. Modern reception is generally viewed as a minor work within the careers of its actors and director, notable for its period depiction of a beauty salon.
What Reviewers Say
- Relies on physical comedy and gags typical of early sound shorts.
- Offers a glimpse into the popular culture and social settings of the early 1930s.
- A lightweight diversion rather than a substantial cinematic achievement.
Google audience: Audience reception for this short film is scarce, but it is generally considered a typical example of its era's comedic shorts, providing simple laughs without complex storytelling.
Fun Fact
Robert Woolsey, known for his later roles in RKO's "Hal Roach Studios" comedies, was a versatile performer who appeared in a wide range of films, including this short which showcased his comedic timing.
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