The Indian Chief and the Seidlitz Powder 1901
Step back to the year 1901 and meet a hilariously inventive comedy western short that still makes audiences chuckle over a century later.
Director: Percy Stow
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Indian Chief and the Seidlitz Powder (1901) about?
This early silent short follows an exaggerated 'Indian chief' who tries to settle his stomach with a box of Seidlitz Powder, only to trigger a fizzy explosion in a gag powered by slow-motion trick photography. The film turns a simple stomach remedy into a visual punchline that still feels fresh today.
Who directed The Indian Chief and the Seidlitz Powder?
Percy Stow directed this 1901 comedy short, known for experimenting with early cinematic effects and visual humor.
Who stars in The Indian Chief and the Seidlitz Powder?
The main cast is not listed in historical records, so specific performers remain unknown.
Is The Indian Chief and the Seidlitz Powder (1901) worth watching?
With no IMDb rating but a reputation as a clever early comedy, this 2-minute short is worth a watch for silent-film fans and anyone curious about how cinema's first joke machines worked. Its blend of Western tropes and visual trickery offers quick, delightful entertainment.
How long is The Indian Chief and the Seidlitz Powder?
The film runs for 2 minutes.
About The Indian Chief and the Seidlitz Powder (1901) — Early Comedy Western Short with Visual Gags
Step back to the year 1901 and meet a hilariously inventive comedy western short that still makes audiences chuckle over a century later. Director Percy Stow crafts a lightning-fast gag about an exaggerated 'Indian chief' who reaches for a box of Seidlitz Powder to ease his indigestion, only to discover the carbonated remedy delivers an unforeseen effect. Slow-motion trickery turns a simple punchline into a visual punch, amplifying the absurdity as the powder's fizz escapes in every direction. The short's playful tone and lightning runtime make it a quirky time capsule of early cinema wit and visual comedy.
This early 2-minute farce blends slapstick timing with the novelty of cinematic trickery, offering a snapshot of how filmmakers first discovered the power of visual gags. Its themes of mistaken expectations and sudden revelation feel timeless, while the Western setting and exaggerated Indigenous caricature invite both historical curiosity and lighthearted laughter. Whether you're a silent-film buff or a curious newcomer, The Indian Chief and the Seidlitz Powder delivers a quick, clever burst of early cinematic charm.