A Penny a Peep 1934
In this 1934 comedy short *A Penny a Peep*, directed by Ralph Staub, a playful trip to the penny arcade takes an unexpectedly cheeky turn when a nostalgic father drops coins into a vintage moviola.
Director: Ralph Staub
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is A Penny a Peep (1934) about?
*A Penny a Peep* follows a trio—a father, mother, and their overgrown son—as they visit a penny arcade, where the father's curiosity gets the better of him. Dropping coins into a moviola, he's transported to early silent films, including a saucy 1910 short that clashes with his wife's prim and proper demeanor. It's a snapshot of generational humor and societal tensions, all in under 12 minutes.
Who directed A Penny a Peep?
The short film was directed by Ralph Staub, a filmmaker known for his work in early comedy and shorts during the 1930s.
Who stars in A Penny a Peep?
The film stars Leo Donnelly as the mischievous father, alongside an unnamed wife and son, though their roles are brief.
Is A Penny a Peep (1934) worth watching?
While *A Penny a Peep* isn't a high-stakes comedy, its charm lies in its historical curiosity and quick wit. At just 11 minutes, it's a fun peek into early 20th-century entertainment, perfect for fans of silent-era humor or vintage shorts. If you enjoy piecing together cinematic history, it's worth the watch.
How long is A Penny a Peep?
The runtime of *A Penny a Peep* is 11 minutes.
About A Penny a Peep (1934) — 1910 Silent Shorts, a Penny Arcade, and a Battle of Morals
In this 1934 comedy short *A Penny a Peep*, directed by Ralph Staub, a playful trip to the penny arcade takes an unexpectedly cheeky turn when a nostalgic father drops coins into a vintage moviola. The flickering screen transports him—and the audience—back to 1910, where a risqué silent short titled *The Perfectly Formed Woman* plays out in all its era-defining charm. But his wife's disapproving scowl quickly turns the lighthearted outing into a subtle battle of morals versus mischief, all wrapped in the carefree spirit of early cinema.
With its razor-thin runtime of just 11 minutes, this micro-budget gem is a time capsule of early comedy, blending slapstick wit with the innocent voyeurism of arcade culture. The contrast between the father's youthful indulgence and his wife's stern disapproval creates a playful tug-of-war, where every penny dropped feels like a tiny rebellion against societal norms. Think of it as a playful wink to the golden age of film, where even a humble penny arcade could spark a moment of cinematic mischief.