The Butcher's Nightmare 1917
In the 1917 silent comedy classic *The Butcher's Nightmare*, Ben Turpin stars as Ben, a lovestruck butcher whose unrequited affections lead to a surreal and chaotic dream. Robin Williamson directs this short film packed with slapstick humor and exaggerated stakes.
Director: Robin Williamson
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Butcher's Nightmare (1917) about?
This silent comedy follows Ben, a lovestruck butcher whose unrequited crush sends him into a wild dream. In his sleep, he concocts absurd schemes, from threatening foreclosure to framing a loved one for a crime—all before his partner's meaty wake-up call ends the chaos.
Who directed The Butcher's Nightmare?
Robin Williamson directed this 1917 silent short, bringing a blend of surreal humor and slapstick energy to the film.
Who stars in The Butcher's Nightmare?
Ben Turpin takes the lead role, joined by Margaret Templeton, Edward J. Laurie, Gypsy Abbott, and Arthur Moon in this ensemble silent comedy.
Is The Butcher's Nightmare (1917) worth watching?
While modern audiences may find its 20-minute runtime brief, *The Butcher's Nightmare* offers a fun snapshot of early silent comedy. Its exaggerated humor and Turpin's energetic performance make it a charming time capsule for fans of vintage slapstick.
How long is The Butcher's Nightmare?
The Butcher's Nightmare runs for 20 minutes.
About The Butcher's Nightmare (1917) — Early Silent Comedy with Ben Turpin's Dreamlike Chaos
In the 1917 silent comedy classic *The Butcher's Nightmare*, Ben Turpin stars as Ben, a lovestruck butcher whose unrequited affections lead to a surreal and chaotic dream. Robin Williamson directs this short film packed with slapstick humor and exaggerated stakes. When Ben drifts off to sleep, his subconscious twists reality into a series of outrageous scenarios, including threatening foreclosure on the home of his beloved and framing her brother for a robbery he didn't commit. The dream escalates until Ben is jolted awake by his partner, whose meaty assault brings him crashing back to the butcher shop.
The film's playful absurdity and rapid-fire gags capture the chaotic energy of early silent-era comedy, where dreams blur the line between fantasy and farce. With its quick runtime and over-the-top situations, *The Butcher's Nightmare* offers a delightful glimpse into the humor and style of 1910s cinema.