Catch-As Catch-Can

About This Movie

Catch-As Catch-Can is this quirky little comedy from 1931 that has some amusing moments. Zasu Pitts really shines as she falls for a wrestler, and Thelma Todd’s presence adds a nice dynamic to the mix. The pacing is a bit uneven, which gives it a charm all its own—like a snapshot of its time. The wrestling scenes are fairly straightforward but have a certain rawness that feels refreshing, almost like a nod to early slapstick. The interplay between the characters warms up the film, making it kind of endearing in an odd way. It's definitely not your standard fare, and that’s what makes it interesting for anyone digging through early sound comedies.

This film is a bit of a curiosity in the realm of early sound comedies. It's not as widely available as some of its contemporaries, making it a nice find for collectors. There are few prints floating around, which adds to its scarcity. The charm of Zasu and Thelma's performances makes it an interesting study of comedy styles in the early '30s.