The Water Plug 1920
In this zany silent-era comedy short *The Water Plug (1920)*, Billy Franey stars as a resourceful tramp navigating the chaotic streets of early 20th-century urban life.
Director: George Jeske
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Water Plug (1920) about?
This silent comedy short follows Billy Franey as a street-smart tramp who decides to capitalize on a corrupt cop's shady deal. Using a fake fire hydrant and a police badge, Billy runs an audacious scam to extort money from drivers, turning the tables on authority with hilarious consequences.
Who directed The Water Plug?
George Jeske directed this 1920 silent comedy. Known for his work in early slapstick and comedy shorts, Jeske helped shape the fast-paced, anarchic style that defined the era.
Who stars in The Water Plug?
The film stars Billy Franey as the resourceful tramp, alongside S.D. Wilcox, George Jeske himself, and Robert McKenzie in supporting roles.
Is The Water Plug (1920) worth watching?
While it's a silent-era short without an IMDb rating, *The Water Plug* offers a delightful snapshot of early comedy's energy and wit. Fans of silent slapstick and historical shorts will appreciate its clever premise and historical charm—even if it's light on plot depth.
How long is The Water Plug?
The Water Plug runs for 12 minutes.
About The Water Plug (1920) — Billy Franey's 1920s Comedy Short About Hustle and Chaos
In this zany silent-era comedy short *The Water Plug (1920)*, Billy Franey stars as a resourceful tramp navigating the chaotic streets of early 20th-century urban life. When he spots a corrupt cop letting a driver off the hook for parking illegally, Billy sees an opportunity to turn the tables on authority—literally. Crafting a phony fire hydrant and a police badge from thin air, he launches a mischievous scheme to extort money from unsuspecting drivers, blending slapstick humor with cheeky rebellion against the system. Directed by comedy specialist George Jeske, the film crackles with the anarchic energy of silent slapstick, where every prank feels like a victory against bureaucracy and bad luck.
The short's brisk 12-minute runtime keeps the laughs tight and the pacing relentless, as Billy's con spirals into a series of hilarious near-misses and escalating chaos. With its themes of hustle, deception, and the absurdity of rules, *The Water Plug (1920)* captures the spirit of early comedy shorts—where chaos reigned and clever fools always got the last laugh.