
Shine 'Em Up 1922
In the silent-era gem *Shine 'Em Up* (1922), comedy takes center stage as Paul, a struggling shoeshine man, suddenly finds his life flipped upside down when he's mistaken for a dangerous escaped convict. Directed by James D.
Director: James D. Davis
Cast







Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shine 'Em Up (1922) about?
*Shine 'Em Up* follows Paul, a shoeshine man whose quiet life takes a wild turn when he's mistaken for an escaped convict. After landing a job at a train station through sheer luck, he must navigate the chaos of being misjudged while proving his worth in a series of comedic mishaps.
Who directed Shine 'Em Up?
James D. Davis directed this 1922 silent comedy, bringing a lighthearted touch to its mistaken-identity storyline.
Who stars in Shine 'Em Up?
The film stars James Parrott as the lead, supported by Jobyna Ralston, Eddie Baker, William Gillespie, and George Rowe in key roles.
Is Shine 'Em Up (1922) worth watching?
As a short silent comedy, *Shine 'Em Up* is a charming time capsule of early filmmaking, perfect for fans of slapstick and vintage humor. Its quick runtime and playful premise make it an entertaining watch, even if it's not groundbreaking by modern standards.
How long is Shine 'Em Up?
The film runs for 15 minutes.
About Shine 'Em Up (1922) — A Silent Comedy Classic with a Twist
In the silent-era gem *Shine 'Em Up* (1922), comedy takes center stage as Paul, a struggling shoeshine man, suddenly finds his life flipped upside down when he's mistaken for a dangerous escaped convict. Directed by James D. Davis, this short film blends mistaken identity with the charm of early 1920s slapstick humor, creating an atmosphere of lighthearted chaos. The story unfolds when the Station Master, unaware of the mix-up, offers Paul a job at the train station, giving him a chance to prove his innocence through sheer determination and wit. With its playful premise and fast-paced antics, *Shine 'Em Up* captures the timeless appeal of underdog triumph in a world where reputation and perception collide.
James Parrott leads the cast as Paul, delivering a physical and expressive performance that's quintessential of silent-era comedy. Jobyna Ralston adds a touch of warmth and comedic timing as the Station Master's daughter, while Eddie Baker and the rest of the ensemble bring energy to this quick-witted farce. The film's breezy runtime of just 15 minutes makes it a perfect snapshot of early comedy—simple, silly, and surprisingly effective at delivering laughs without a single word.