Trouble or Nothing 1946
In the 1946 comedy short Trouble or Nothing, Edgar Kennedy stars as a well-meaning but perpetually unlucky man whose brother-in-law talks him into a risky trip to the racetrack.
Director: Hal Yates
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Trouble or Nothing (1946) about?
Trouble or Nothing follows Edgar Kennedy as a hapless fellow convinced by his brother-in-law to try his luck at the racetrack. After losing $900, Edgar scrambles to secure a loan from a banker while fending off a bookie's aggressive collector. What starts as a simple bet spirals into a frantic comedy of errors.
Who directed Trouble or Nothing?
Trouble or Nothing was directed by Hal Yates, a filmmaker known for his work in short comedies and slapstick films during the 1930s and 1940s.
Who stars in Trouble or Nothing?
The main cast includes Edgar Kennedy, Florence Lake, and Edgar Dearing in this fast-paced 1946 comedy short.
Is Trouble or Nothing (1946) worth watching?
With its brisk 18-minute runtime and sharp comedic timing, Trouble or Nothing is a delightful snapshot of mid-century short-film humor. Though unrated on IMDb, its themes of financial strain and slapstick misadventure make it a fun watch for fans of classic comedies.
How long is Trouble or Nothing?
Trouble or Nothing runs for 18 minutes.
About Trouble or Nothing (1946) — A Classic Comedy Short That Turns a Bet into Chaos
In the 1946 comedy short Trouble or Nothing, Edgar Kennedy stars as a well-meaning but perpetually unlucky man whose brother-in-law talks him into a risky trip to the racetrack. After placing a bet that quickly goes south, Edgar finds himself in the unenviable position of $900 short with a bookie's collector at the door. His attempts to charm a banker into a loan only add to the chaos, turning a simple errand into a high-stakes farce. Directed by Hal Yates, this 18-minute gem blends lighthearted humor with the tension of financial desperation, all wrapped in the snappy pacing of a classic two-reel comedy.
Trouble or Nothing delivers the kind of fast-talking, slapstick charm that defined mid-century short films, where everyday mishaps escalate into absurd situations. Kennedy's trademark mugging and Lake's deadpan reactions keep the energy brisk, while the story taps into universal themes of financial stress and the perils of trusting the wrong people. Set against a backdrop of fedoras and typewriters, this forgotten comedy is a time capsule of wit and whimsy.
Available to stream or download on multiple devices, Trouble or Nothing (1946) is a perfect pick for fans of vintage comedies and those curious about Hollywood's lighter fare of the era.