Oh, Baby! 1944
In the zany short comedy *Oh, Baby! (1944)*, directed by the legendary slapstick maven Jules White, Hugh Herbert plays a curmudgeonly bachelor who openly scoffs at the very idea of parenthood—until a sudden twist flips his world upside down.
Director: Jules White
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Oh, Baby! (1944) about?
Hugh Herbert stars as a man who openly ridicules parenthood—until a shocking revelation leads him to believe he's about to become a father, sparking a whirlwind of comedic chaos. The 18-minute short follows his frantic attempts to reconcile his gruff persona with impending fatherhood, all wrapped in rapid-fire gags.
Who directed Oh, Baby!?
Jules White, a titan of slapstick comedy, directed this fast-paced short. Known for his work in the Three Stooges universe and other classic shorts, White's signature timing and absurdity shine in *Oh, Baby!*.
Who stars in Oh, Baby!?
Hugh Herbert headlines this hilarious short, with his trademark deadpan delivery and expressive reactions driving the comedy.
Is Oh, Baby! (1944) worth watching?
As a concise, high-energy comedy short, *Oh, Baby!* delivers exactly what fans of vintage humor expect—quick gags, Herbert's iconic performance, and a premise that's both absurd and relatable. While it's not a feature-length film, its runtime makes it a perfect bite-sized pick for classic comedy lovers looking for a laugh without a long commitment.
How long is Oh, Baby!?
The film runs for 18 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick dose of mid-century comedy.
About Oh, Baby! (1944) — The Classic Short Comedy That Turns Parenthood on Its Head
In the zany short comedy *Oh, Baby! (1944)*, directed by the legendary slapstick maven Jules White, Hugh Herbert plays a curmudgeonly bachelor who openly scoffs at the very idea of parenthood—until a sudden twist flips his world upside down. Herbert's signature deadpan delivery and frantic reactions turn this 18-minute romp into a delightful showcase of vintage comedy timing, poking fun at the unexpected joys (and chaos) that come with impending fatherhood. The film crackles with the kind of rapid-fire gags and physical humor that defined mid-century short films, wrapping a lighthearted tale around a relatable premise: the shock of realizing your life is about to change forever.
Beneath the surface silliness, *Oh, Baby! (1944)* sneaks in a playful commentary on societal expectations versus personal bluster, all while keeping the energy high and the laughs flowing. Herbert's character's abrupt 180-degree turn from skeptic to soon-to-be dad makes for a classic fish-out-of-water scenario, perfect for fans of classic comedy who appreciate a good-natured ribbing at the expense of a grumpy protagonist. Whether you're a longtime Herbert enthusiast or a newcomer to the era's comedic style, this compact gem delivers a satisfying dose of pre-war humor in under twenty minutes.