Movie spotlight
You're Fired
Railroad magnate Gordon Rogers agrees to allow his daughter, Helen, to marry wealthy idler Billy Deering, Jr., but only if the latter can hold the same job for one month. Billy is hired for an array of jobs, including office clerk and xylophone player, but always quits just before being fired. He then finds work in a restaurant where he is required to dress as a knight in armor and pose as a statue. On one occasion, Gordon, Helen, and Billy's romantic rival, Tom, enter the restaurant, and Billy is nearly fired when Helen recognizes him. Meanwhile, Gordon plans to merge one of his railroads with a company that is in a dispute with Tom's uncle, an unprincipled financier. Acting on the promise of a generous cash reward, Tom is determined to steal documents relating to the merger.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young man, eager to prove his worth, applies for a job. After a series of humorous and unfortunate events, he is 'fired' from the interview process. Despite the setback, his persistence and underlying good nature are eventually recognized.
Critical Reception
As a silent short from 1919, detailed critical reception is scarce. However, comedies of this era were generally appreciated for their lighthearted entertainment value and ability to provide escapism during a time of significant social change.
What Reviewers Say
Appreciated for its slapstick humor and simple narrative.
Seen as a typical example of early 20th-century comedic shorts.
Likely provided a few laughs for audiences of its time.
Google audience: No specific user reviews available for this early silent short.
Fun Fact
This film is a rare surviving example of a short comedy from the early days of Hollywood, offering a glimpse into the kind of humor popular over a century ago.
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