The Poor Boob 1919
"THE predicaments and "scrapes" that "Simp" got into will keep you rocking with laughter. And the one at the climax-why, you won't know whether to laugh or shout, it's so funny and thrilling."
Donald Crisp's 1919 silent comedy *The Poor Boob* follows modest Simpson Hightower after he loses both his father's canning factory and his sweetheart to a rival businessman.
Director: Donald Crisp
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Poor Boob (1919) about?
*The Poor Boob* centers on Simpson Hightower, a kind-hearted man who loses his factory and girlfriend in one fell swoop. To win them back—and impress a potential business partner—he's convinced to pose as a wealthy tycoon, sparking a chain of hilarious misunderstandings that test his newfound confidence and old-fashioned charm.
Who directed The Poor Boob?
The film was directed by Donald Crisp, a prolific filmmaker whose career spanned silent films, westerns, and even an Oscar-winning performance in later years.
Who stars in The Poor Boob?
The cast stars Bryant Washburn as Simpson Hightower, Wanda Hawley as the scheming stenographer Hope, and Richard Rosson as office boy Jimmy, with Theodore Roberts, Raymond Hatton, and Jay Dwiggins rounding out the ensemble.
Is The Poor Boob (1919) worth watching?
Though unrated on IMDb, *The Poor Boob* offers a charming snapshot of early silent comedy with witty situations and heartfelt stakes. Fans of lighthearted fables and vintage slapstick will appreciate its clever twists and nostalgic appeal—just don't expect modern pacing.
How long is The Poor Boob?
The runtime of *The Poor Boob* is 50 minutes.
About The Poor Boob (1919) — How a modest man's big charade led to small-town triumph and romantic comeback
Donald Crisp's 1919 silent comedy *The Poor Boob* follows modest Simpson Hightower after he loses both his father's canning factory and his sweetheart to a rival businessman. Down on his luck, Simpson takes a humble job in a New York provisions office, where a clever stenographer and office boy hatch a plan to transform him into a faux tycoon. Disguised as a successful entrepreneur with a secretary and valet in tow, he returns home to impress a visiting Danish consul and secure a lucrative contract.
The film brims with lighthearted chaos as Simpson navigates one amusing predicament after another—each step closer to redemption and reunion with his lost love. Crisp balances slapstick humor with gentle satire, capturing the absurdity of social climbing while celebrating resilience and authenticity in a fast-talking, turn-of-the-century America. With its playful misadventures and warm, human heart, *The Poor Boob* remains a delightful relic of early film comedy.