Don't Give Up

About This Movie

So, 'Don't Give Up' from 1930 has this breezy charm, with Buster West playing a character who just can't seem to get his act together. The comedy feels light and whimsical despite its loose plot, and there's a delightful absurdity when he mistakes the DA's daughter for a gangster's moll. The pacing has that classic early talkie awkwardness, but it works in its own quirky way. You can see the family connection with John West as the DA, and the interplay between them has this interesting father-son dynamic. Those practical effects and set pieces are pretty raw but have a certain appeal, making it feel like a genuine slice of that era's cinematic experimentation.

This film is somewhat of a rarity, often overlooked in discussions about early sound cinema. It’s unusual to find complete prints, and those that do surface are typically from private collections. As for collector interest, it tends to draw in those intrigued by the early transitions in comedy and the familial dynamics on screen. The technical aspects are a treat for those who appreciate the evolution of filmmaking during this transitional period.