The Gangsters 1913
Step back to the golden age of silent cinema with *The Gangsters* (1913), a zany short comedy that skewers early 20th-century gang culture with sharp wit and physical humor.
Director: Henry Lehrman
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Gangsters (1913) about?
*The Gangsters* follows a mischievous gang who outsmart the police in a series of playful, humiliating pranks. Each cop ends up stripped of their uniform and dignity, returning to the station in disarray. The film is a lighthearted satire of early 20th-century gang culture, wrapped in slapstick humor.
Who directed The Gangsters?
The Gangsters was directed by Henry Lehrman, a prolific figure in silent comedy known for his work behind the camera in the early 1910s.
Who stars in The Gangsters?
The film features a roster of silent comedy stars, including Fred Mace, Roscoe Arbuckle, Nick Cogley, Charles Avery, and Jewel Carmen.
Is The Gangsters (1913) worth watching?
While it's a product of its time, *The Gangsters* offers a charming glimpse into silent-era comedy with its clever pranks and energetic pacing. Fans of early film history or slapstick humor will find it a delightful curiosity—though its brevity and dated style may limit broader appeal.
How long is The Gangsters?
The Gangsters runs approximately 35 minutes, making it a concise and fast-paced silent short.
About The Gangsters (1913) — A Chaotic Silent Comedy Burlesque
Step back to the golden age of silent cinema with *The Gangsters* (1913), a zany short comedy that skewers early 20th-century gang culture with sharp wit and physical humor. Directed by Henry Lehrman, this burlesque-style film follows a ragtag gang of mischievous troublemakers who outwit the police in a series of escalating pranks, leaving the city's finest stripped of their dignity—and their uniforms. The atmosphere crackles with chaotic energy as each hapless officer falls victim to the gang's relentless schemes, delivering laughs through slapstick antics and clever reversals. A snapshot of silent-era comedy at its finest, *The Gangsters* blends social satire with pure, unfiltered fun.
Lehrman's direction leans into the anarchic spirit of the era, crafting a world where authority figures are humbled and the little guy triumphs in absurd fashion. Backed by a cast of silent comedy legends including Fred Mace, Roscoe Arbuckle, and Nick Cogley, the film thrives on kinetic pacing and expressive performances that transcend language barriers. With its concise runtime and no-dialogue storytelling, *The Gangsters* captures the essence of early cinema's playful irreverence, offering a glimpse into the comedic sensibilities that would later define Hollywood's golden age.