Something Simple 1934
"He was told to put everything out of his mind. It was simple because there was nothing there."
Something Simple (1934) is a 18-minute slapstick comedy short that finds silent-era funnyman Charley Chase in a dizzying spiral of absurd medical advice and forgotten missions.
Director: Charley Chase
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Something Simple (1934) about?
The film follows Charley Chase as he's misdiagnosed by a fake doctor with a bizarre condition called 'Tetra-Ethyl.' Told to relax by reciting nursery rhymes, he's sent to deliver a package to a secretive lodge at a hotel convention—only to find his 'cure' leads to even more chaos.
Who directed Something Simple?
Charley Chase, the legendary silent-era comedian known for his physical comedy and mischievous charm, directed Something Simple.
Who stars in Something Simple?
The film features Charley Chase in the lead role, alongside Betty Mack, Dell Henderson, Arthur Housman, and Lew Kelly.
Is Something Simple (1934) worth watching?
Something Simple is a charming example of 1930s slapstick comedy, packed with Chase's signature humor and a brisk 18-minute runtime. While it may not have modern CGI spectacle, its lighthearted absurdity and nostalgic energy make it a fun watch for comedy enthusiasts.
How long is Something Simple?
Something Simple is an 18-minute short film.
About Something Simple (1934) — Charley Chase's dizzying comedy short you can't resist
Something Simple (1934) is a 18-minute slapstick comedy short that finds silent-era funnyman Charley Chase in a dizzying spiral of absurd medical advice and forgotten missions. Directed with his signature chaotic energy, Chase plays a man dispatched by a quack posing as a physician—only to be ordered to clear his mind with nursery rhymes while carrying a mysterious package to a secretive lodge convention. The film's lighthearted chaos builds as Chase's character stumbles through a hotel hosting the "Brown Derbies," where the only space to rest lands him unexpectedly—and hilariously—in the lap of a high-ranking official. Beneath the physical gags lies a playful satire of self-help fads of the era, wrapped in the unmistakable charm of 1930s comedy shorts.
Set against the backdrop of Prohibition-era hotels and secret societies, Something Simple delivers a fast-paced, breezy escape with Chase's trademark physical comedy and wry wit. The 18-minute runtime keeps the humor tight and relentless, while the film's central premise—a man ordered to do the impossible—mirrors the era's fascination with quick fixes and outlandish cures. It's a snapshot of a time when comedy was both escape and commentary.
A must-watch for fans of early talkies and classic slapstick, Something Simple (1934) remains a delightful relic of Hollywood's golden age of shorts, where the simplest ideas often lead to the most ridiculous—and rewarding—consequences.