The Yawner 1907
"During his daily promenade, a fine gentleman in his impeccably crisp suit wearing a black and broad-brimmed top hat is yawning incessantly."
A top-hatted gentleman in a crisp suit embarks on his daily stroll only to find himself caught in an unstoppable yawn that spreads like wildfire through the streets of early 20th-century Paris.
Director: Segundo de Chomón
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Yawner (1907) about?
This early silent comedy follows a well-dressed gentleman whose relentless yawning sets off a chain reaction of contagious drowsiness as he walks through the streets. His yawn spreads to his housekeeper, a shopkeeper, passersby, and even a group of soldiers, turning an ordinary day into a whimsical spectacle of shared fatigue.
Who directed The Yawner?
The Yawner was directed by Segundo de Chomón, a pioneering Spanish filmmaker known for his innovative work in silent cinema and early special effects.
Who stars in The Yawner?
The film features an unknown cast, with a leading gentleman in a top hat and a housekeeper as the primary characters. The soldiers and shopkeeper are part of the background cast, adding to the film's comedic charm.
Is The Yawner (1907) worth watching?
While The Yawner is more of a historical curiosity than a modern masterpiece, its playful premise and innovative use of early cinema techniques make it a charming watch for silent film enthusiasts. With no IMDb rating to rely on, its value lies in its nostalgic appeal and the joy of discovering silent-era comedy.
How long is The Yawner?
The Yawner is a short film with a runtime of approximately 4 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About The Yawner (1907) — How a single yawn sparked a silent-era comedy classic
A top-hatted gentleman in a crisp suit embarks on his daily stroll only to find himself caught in an unstoppable yawn that spreads like wildfire through the streets of early 20th-century Paris. Directed by the Spanish pioneer Segundo de Chomón, this 1907 silent comedy transforms a simple involuntary reflex into a charming chain reaction of infectious drowsiness. As the yawn travels from the man's morning routine to his housekeeper, a shopkeeper, and a group of unsuspecting soldiers, it paints a lighthearted portrait of how a single quirk can ripple through a community, blending slapstick humor with the gentle absurdity of early cinema. The film's playful atmosphere and minimalist narrative highlight the charm of silent-era storytelling, where a single gesture speaks volumes.
Though only four minutes long, The Yawner (1907) captures the essence of visual comedy through its clever use of repetition and contagion, a theme that resonates even today. Its whimsical premise and timeless humor make it a delightful artifact of cinema's infancy, showcasing how directors like de Chomón used innovation and creativity to craft engaging narratives. Perfect for fans of silent films and early cinematic experiments, this short film offers a glimpse into the playful and experimental spirit of an era that laid the foundation for modern comedy.