The Gold Brick 1913
Step into the early 1910s with *The Gold Brick (1913)*, a short silent comedy bursting with hustle and shady charm. Directed by Charles H.
Director: Charles H. France
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Gold Brick (1913) about?
This early silent comedy follows Reporter Jones, who stumbles upon a gold brick in a jeweler's window and sees dollar signs in the eyes of greedy farmers. His plan to sell the "real" gold brick for $2 each quickly spirals into a farce of misdirection and mishaps.
Who directed The Gold Brick?
Charles H. France directed *The Gold Brick*, bringing his keen eye for silent-era comedy to this snappy 11-minute romp.
Who stars in The Gold Brick?
The film features a talented ensemble including Palmer Bowman, Maxwell Sargent, John Lancaster, Lillian Leighton, and Lafe McKee.
Is The Gold Brick (1913) worth watching?
*The Gold Brick* isn't just a historical curiosity—it's a sharp, funny little short that showcases early silent comedy at its best. While it's unrated on IMDb, its brevity and zesty pacing make it a fun watch for fans of classic film or anyone who enjoys a good con-artist tale.
How long is The Gold Brick?
The Gold Brick runs for approximately 11 minutes.
About The Gold Brick (1913) — A Hustler's Guide to Swindling in Early Comedy
Step into the early 1910s with *The Gold Brick (1913)*, a short silent comedy bursting with hustle and shady charm. Directed by Charles H. France, this 11-minute film follows Reporter Jones as he spots a gleaming gold brick in a jeweler's window and hatches a scheme to sell it to eager farmers for $2 apiece. What starts as a clever con turns into a delightfully absurd chase, where Jones's quick-talking antics collide with the unexpected pitfalls of small-town ambition. Framed in a breezy, lighthearted tone, the movie captures the spirit of early cinema—where deception and enthusiasm walk hand in hand under the glow of gas lamps.
At its core, *The Gold Brick* is a snapshot of early 20th-century American ingenuity gone slightly sideways. The film's themes of greed, gullibility, and the art of the swindle feel timeless, wrapped in the innocence of a time when even a gold brick could be the bait for a tall tale. With a cast including Palmer Bowman, Maxwell Sargent, and John Lancaster, France crafts a visual gag machine that's as much about expression as it is about plot. Whether you're a silent film buff or a comedy lover, this zippy short promises laughs in spades—just don't expect the gold to be real.