Movie spotlight
The Yellow Cab Man
Pirdy is accident prone. He has been denied insurance from every company in town because he is always getting hit or hurt in some way. On the day that he meets the lovely Ellen of the Yellow Cab Co., he also meets the crooked lawyer named Creavy. Pirdy is an inventor and when Creavy learns about elastic-glass, his new invention, he makes plans to steal the process. With the help of another con man named Doksteader, and the boys, he will steal this million dollar invention no matter who gets hurt.
Insights
Plot Summary
A bumbling inventor, facing financial ruin, discovers a formula for an indestructible rubber that could revolutionize the tire industry. He attempts to present his invention to a tire company, but his clumsy nature and the machinations of a rival inventor lead to a series of chaotic and comedic mishaps.
Critical Reception
As a short subject from the Golden Age of Hollywood, 'The Yellow Cab Man' was generally received as a lighthearted and amusing comedic vehicle for Red Skelton. Its charm lies in Skelton's signature slapstick and rubber-faced antics, offering predictable but entertaining fare for audiences of the time.
What Reviewers Say
Red Skelton's comedic talent is on full display.
A standard, but enjoyable, short comedy film.
Relies heavily on slapstick and physical comedy.
Google audience: Audience reception for this short film is largely positive, with viewers appreciating Red Skelton's humorous performance and the light, family-friendly nature of the story.
Fun Fact
This short film was part of MGM's 'Pete Smith Specialties' series, which often featured educational or humorous short subjects.
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