Five and Ten Cent Annie

About This Movie

So, 'Five and Ten Cent Annie' is this quirky little comedy from 1928 that centers around Elmer Peck, a street cleaner who suddenly finds himself a millionaire thanks to his late uncle. The whole premise is interesting, especially how Elmer has to deal with the stipulations of his inheritance, particularly that he must keep the uncle's valet around until he ties the knot. The performances, especially by Clyde Cook as Elmer, are charmingly offbeat and lend a kind of lightheartedness to the whole affair. The pacing is pretty brisk, capturing that silent-era vibe, and the practical effects, though simple, feel quite authentic for the time. It's not something you hear about often, which really makes it distinctive in any collector's lineup.

This film is a bit of a hidden gem in the silent comedy genre, making it somewhat scarce in collector circles. It was released on both 16mm and 35mm formats, but finding a good print can be tricky, as many copies have deteriorated over time. There’s a growing interest among collectors who appreciate the subtleties of silent comedy and its unique storytelling style, so it might just be worth keeping an eye out for.