Barnum Was Right

A down-on-his-luck inventor, Silas "Si" Barnaby, struggles to make a living while dealing with creditors and a demanding landlord. He dreams of a revolutionary new invention that will solve all his financial woes. Meanwhile, he finds himself entangled in a romantic subplot involving a young woman who believes in his potential.

Upon its release, 'Barnum Was Right' received mixed reviews. While some critics praised its attempt at humor and its early incorporation of sound technology, others found the plot to be derivative and the pacing uneven. The performances, particularly from Charles "Chic" Sale, were often highlighted as a redeeming quality, but the film ultimately struggled to stand out in a rapidly evolving cinematic landscape.

• Praise for Charles "Chic" Sale's comedic timing and presence.

• Criticism for a predictable and somewhat underdeveloped plot.

• Noted as an early example of a talkie attempting dramatic and romantic themes.

Google audience: Audience reception is largely unavailable due to the film's age and the limited availability of data from its original release period. However, its status as an early sound film likely contributed to initial interest.

This film is notable for being an early example of a feature-length talking picture, a technological innovation that was rapidly transforming Hollywood in 1929.