
Bab's Burglar 1917
"One of the Famous SUB-DEB STORIES"
In *Bab's Burglar* (1917), the spirited Babs Archibald receives a $1,000 allowance from her father—only to blow it all on a flashy new car.
Director: J. Searle Dawley
Cast







Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bab's Burglar (1917) about?
Babs Archibald's $1,000 allowance quickly vanishes when she wrecks her new car, leaving her with just sixteen cents. Taking a job as a cab driver, she stumbles into an adventure when a passenger leaves behind a blueprint for her family's mansion—raising questions about theft, chance, and whether her luck will turn around.
Who directed Bab's Burglar?
The film was directed by J. Searle Dawley, a prolific filmmaker known for his work during the silent era.
Who stars in Bab's Burglar?
The film features Marguerite Clark as Babs Archibald, with standout performances from Leone Morgan, Richard Barthelmess, Frank Losee, and Isabel O'Madigan.
Is Bab's Burglar (1917) worth watching?
As a silent-era comedy, *Bab's Burglar* offers a delightful mix of humor and romance, anchored by Marguerite Clark's energetic performance. While it lacks modern pacing, its clever premise and historical charm make it a fun watch for fans of early cinema.
How long is Bab's Burglar?
The film runs for 50 minutes.
About Bab's Burglar (1917) — A 1917 Silent Comedy with Marguerite Clark
In *Bab's Burglar* (1917), the spirited Babs Archibald receives a $1,000 allowance from her father—only to blow it all on a flashy new car. When the vehicle meets an untimely end in a collision with a milk truck, Babs is left scrambling to cover the damages with a mere sixteen cents to her name. Undeterred by her misfortune, she takes on a job as a cab driver, where fate intervenes when a mysterious passenger leaves behind a blueprint for her family's mansion. Could this stranger be a thief plotting something far more audacious than a simple heist?
Directed by J. Searle Dawley and starring Marguerite Clark in the lead role, this silent-era comedy blends romance and mischief with a playful, high-energy vibe. The film's lighthearted yet clever premise explores themes of youthful ambition, financial misadventures, and the unexpected twists of fate. Dawley's direction infuses the story with a breezy charm, while the cast's chemistry brings Babs' chaotic escapades to life against a backdrop of early 20th-century Americana.