Mum's the Word Poster

Mum's the Word 1926

★ 5.77 votes24 min📅 1926-05-09

Directed by the legendary Leo McCarey, *Mum's the Word* (1926) is a delightful silent-era comedy that revolves around a wealthy husband blissfully unaware that his wife's past holds a surprising secret.

Director: Leo McCarey

Cast

Charley Chase
Charley Chase
Charlie - the Son
Martha Sleeper
Martha Sleeper
The Nervous Little Girl
Virginia Pearson
Virginia Pearson
The Wife
Anders Randolf
Anders Randolf
The Husband
Clara Guiol
Clara Guiol
Train passenger (uncredited)
John M. O'Brien
Baggage man (uncredited)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mum's the Word (1926) about?

*Mum's the Word* follows a wealthy man who unknowingly marries a widow with a son she hasn't told him about. When the boy visits, the family tries to pass him off as a new valet, but nothing goes as planned. Between sneaky maids, suspicious husbands, and a string of bizarre coincidences, the house descends into hilarious chaos.

Who directed Mum's the Word?

The film was directed by Leo McCarey, a pioneer of comedy whose work helped shape the genre in Hollywood.

Who stars in Mum's the Word?

The cast includes Charley Chase as the husband, Martha Sleeper as the wife, and Virginia Pearson, Anders Randolf, and Clara Guiol rounding out the ensemble.

Is Mum's the Word (1926) worth watching?

For fans of silent comedy, *Mum's the Word* is a charming time capsule of early film humor. With McCarey's direction and Chase's comedic timing, it's a fun, fast-paced short that showcases the wit of the era—perfect for a quick laugh and a nostalgic peek into 1920s cinema.

How long is Mum's the Word?

The film runs for 24 minutes.

About Mum's the Word (1926) — A Classic Silent Comedy of Secrets and Shenanigans

Directed by the legendary Leo McCarey, *Mum's the Word* (1926) is a delightful silent-era comedy that revolves around a wealthy husband blissfully unaware that his wife's past holds a surprising secret. When her long-lost son arrives for an unannounced visit, chaos erupts as the family scrambles to keep the boy hidden—only to find their efforts tangled in a web of comedic misunderstandings. With Charley Chase leading the cast as the bewildered husband and Martha Sleeper as the resourceful wife, this short film delivers sharp wit and playful antics, all wrapped in the glamour of 1920s Hollywood charm.

The atmosphere is lighthearted yet brimming with tension, as every sneaky escape plan goes awry, and the household is thrown into a frenzy of half-truths and comedic mishaps. Under McCarey's sharp direction, the film balances physical comedy with clever situational humor, making it a standout gem from the silent comedy era.