Movie spotlight
Spooks
Late in the evening, just as a skeleton puts out its cat for the night, the masked Phantom stalks the graveyard, pausing only to insult an overly inquisitive owl. The Phantom enters the local opera house and falls in love with Kitty, a feline singer who is terribly jealous of the star of the show, a husky-voiced hippo. The Phantom falls in love with Kitty at first sight. For her sake, he sabotages the hippo (by popping and deflating her). Then he puts a phonograph player down Kitty's skirt. She walks out and pretends the recording is her own voice. Even though the record skips and, moments later, slows down to a stop (forcing the Phantom to crank the machine for her), Kitty is a hit. But does she appreciate the Phantom? No. Backstage, she jumps into the arms of Oswald the Rabbit. Enraged, the Phantom grabs Kitty and takes her down with him to the catacombs underneath the stage. Oswald goes on a rescue mission.
Insights
Plot Summary
A man is haunted by a ghost in a haunted house. He tries to escape the spectral being, but it continually reappears, leading to a series of comical and musical encounters. The film culminates in a revelation about the true nature of the haunting.
Critical Reception
As a short film from 1930, 'Spooks' is primarily noted for its early use of sound and musical numbers. While not a critical darling in its time, it is often remembered as an example of early cinematic attempts at blending comedy, horror, and musical elements.
What Reviewers Say
Early incorporation of sound and musical numbers for its era.
Amusing attempts at blending comedy and spectral themes.
A brief and somewhat simplistic narrative.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this 1930 short film is not readily available.
Fun Fact
This short film was produced by Mack Sennett, a pioneer of slapstick comedy known for his "Bathing Beauties" series.
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