Film Details

Now known mostly only to early-movie buffs, Charley Bowers (1889-1946) was one of the brightest and most idiosyncratic comedians of the silent era. Originally a cartoonist, Bowers starred in his own series of innovative slapstick comedies during the 1920s—many of which combined live action and animation. These inventive, often surreal shorts with stop-motion puppets and intricate gadgets astound even modern audiences. Consequently, Bowers has recently enjoyed a rediscovery both here and in Europe. This program consists of seven of Bowers’ best surviving comedies, all newly restored by Lobster Films. Program includes: Egged On (1926); He Done His Best (1926); Fatal Footsteps (1926); Now You Tell One (1926); Many a Slip (1927); There It Is (1928); and It’s a Bird (1930). “Bowers is a cross between Buster Keaton and Rube Goldberg…One need only watch a single Bowers short from the 1920s to become a follower, if not a proselytizer.” –Leonard Maltin. Cleveland revival premiere! Music tracks and English subtitles. Total 151 min.

The Extraordinary World of Charley Bowers, a Cinematheque streaming exclusive, can be viewed online from 1/1 thru 1/28 via the link below. Doing so supports the Cinematheque. Screening fee is $10, and you have 72 hours to watch the program.