16 minutes of pure 1930s spite comedy — Edgar's fake heart attack is just the beginning.
Edgar thinks he finally has a plan that will force his lazy, mooching brother-in-law to get a job. First, Edgar has some friends help him to stage a fake heart attack. Then, while he is supposed to be recovering, he taps into a source of mystical will power to do the rest.
Acting
Edgar Kennedy's slow-burn exasperation to full unhinged commitment.
Writing
Rube Goldberg logic of fake heart attacks leading to real consequences.
Direction
Arthur Ripley keeps 16 minutes tightly wound with perfect comic timing.
Director
Arthur Ripley
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Edgar Kennedy starred in over 100 short films; this was part of his 'Average Man' series where everyday frustrations spiral into exquisite chaos.
Pre-Code Hollywood let comedies get genuinely mean about family — post-1934, Edgar's spite would have been softened with moral lessons.
US
