Mental Poise Poster

Mental Poise 1938

★ 5.52 votes7 min📅 1938-12-10

Mental Poise (1938) delivers a quick dose of classic screwball humor in just seven minutes. This short comedy from director Roy Rowland follows a bumbling psychoanalyst whose professional composure crumbles when he meets a patient who bears an uncanny resemblance to himself.

Director: Roy Rowland

Cast

Robert Benchley
Robert Benchley
Psychoanalyst / Mr. Ostegraf
John Butler
Patient

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mental Poise (1938) about?

This seven-minute comedy follows a psychiatrist whose session takes an unexpected turn when his new patient looks remarkably like him, leading to humorous confusion and classic situational comedy as the analyst struggles to maintain professional distance from his mirror image.

Who directed Mental Poise?

Roy Rowland directed this 1938 comedy short, bringing his experience in character-driven films to this brief but memorable psychiatric parody.

Who stars in Mental Poise?

The film features Robert Benchley and John Butler in the lead roles, with Benchley particularly memorable as the flustered psychoanalyst.

Is Mental Poise (1938) worth watching?

At just seven minutes, this unrated comedy short offers pleasant nostalgic entertainment for fans of 1930s humor. While not groundbreaking, it provides a charming glimpse into classic character comedy with solid performances from its two leads.

How long is Mental Poise?

The film runs for 7 minutes.

About Mental Poise (1938) — A Psychoanalyst's Comic Encounter with Himself

Mental Poise (1938) delivers a quick dose of classic screwball humor in just seven minutes. This short comedy from director Roy Rowland follows a bumbling psychoanalyst whose professional composure crumbles when he meets a patient who bears an uncanny resemblance to himself. The absurd premise creates plenty of opportunities for visual gags and witty exchanges between the analyst and his mirror-image client.

Starring Robert Benchley and John Butler, the film showcases the kind of clever, character-driven comedy that defined the era. Benchley's comedic timing shines as he navigates the surreal situation, while the brief runtime keeps the joke fresh without wearing it thin. Mental Poise captures that distinctive 1930s charm where psychological themes meet slapstick, creating an entertaining glimpse into vintage American comedy.