Crazy House (1930)
** (out of 4)
This MGM short isn't known today but it's certainly a unique little thing even if its quality is quite low. The film has Benny Rubin going to the "Lame Brain Sanitarium" where he wants to do some research but he soon realizes that there's not a single normal person there. This MGM short has one major bonus and that's the fact that it was shot in 2-strip Technicolor, which certainly makes it stand out from other shorts made around this time. I've always loved the look of these early Technicolor shorts and this one here is great to look at but sadly that's about all the film offers. The film certainly is a strange one as the style of comedy just seems so off that you can't help but be fascinated by it even though it's not making you laugh. The ending is just as bizarre but I won't spoil it for you. How this thing plays out is just a head scratcher and you have to wonder if the filmmakers actually thought it would be funny. Rubin seems very nervous in the picture but I guess this was just part of the character. Familiar character actor Vernon Dent steals the film as the nutty doctor. Polly Moran, Cliff Edwards, Gus Shy and Karl Dane also appear.