

Movie spotlight
The Automatic Moving Company
Hired to move house for a patron, furniture, appliances and cutlery pack up and move on their own, headed up by a team of baskets. Often confused with Cohl's film Le Mobilier fidèle (1910).
Insights
Plot Summary
This silent short comedy follows a bumbling crew from the Automatic Moving Company as they attempt to move furniture. Their efforts are plagued by mishaps and general incompetence, leading to a series of slapstick situations. The film culminates in a chaotic and humorous resolution to their moving day troubles.
Critical Reception
As a silent short from 1912, contemporary critical reception is difficult to pinpoint. However, films of this era were generally judged on their comedic timing and ability to entertain. Bert Williams was a popular vaudeville star, and his performances were often met with amusement by audiences of the time.
What Reviewers Say
Features early slapstick comedy.
Showcases the comedic talents of Bert Williams.
A representative example of silent-era short films.
Google audience: Audience reception for this film is not specifically documented through modern platforms like Google reviews due to its age.
Fun Fact
Bert Williams, a prominent Black comedian and entertainer of the Vaudeville era, starred in and likely directed this film, marking an early example of African American involvement in the nascent film industry.
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