A 1923 crime caper where fiction becomes a hitman's wanted poster.
Notorious crooks "Hairpin" Annie and Sea Bass steal a suitcase on the train and discover that it is filled with scenarios. Its owner, Egbert Winslow, agrees to write a screenplay about the underworld with Sea Bass's help. Sea Bass, seeing a chance to expose a pal who has double-crossed him, describes "High-Shine" Joe and some of his underworld activities. Joe sees the film in a South American theater and recognizes himself. He goes to the motion picture studio determined to kill Egbert Winslow, but bank president Peyton, who has been robbed by Joe, appears simultaneously with the police and saves Winslow.
Writing
Inception-level narrative: thieves steal a script that writes itself.
Production
Studio-set South American theater scene is peak 1920s ambition.
Director
Alfred Santell
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Director Alfred Santell later helmed the first sound adaptation of 'The Scarlet Letter'— talk about tonal whiplash.
This 'movie about movies' predates Hollywood's self-obsession by decades; 'Singin' in the Rain' wishes it got there first.
US
