The Night Parrot! A Lost Treasure Trove of Pre-Code Comedy and Vaudeville Charm

Journey back to the electrifying era of 1928, when talking pictures were still a novelty and vaudeville swaggered across stage and screen! In this shimmering landscape of nascent cinematic storytelling emerges “The Night Parrot,” a forgotten gem of pre-code humor that deserves rediscovery. Picture this: a hapless bellhop entangled in a web of mistaken identities, stolen jewels, and flamboyant theatrical antics, all set against the backdrop of a glamorous New York City hotel buzzing with eccentricities.

“The Night Parrot,” while technically not a television series as we understand it today, was part of a wave of innovative early “television films.” These were motion pictures specifically designed for public exhibition on experimental mechanical televisions of the time. Their shorter length and simple, often comedic narratives made them ideal for these nascent viewing experiences.

This forgotten treasure boasts a cast of familiar faces from the stage and silent screen era. Leading the charge is the inimitable Eugene Pallette, known for his booming voice and penchant for portraying lovable rascals, as the bumbling bellhop caught in the maelstrom of events. He’s supported by a delightful ensemble cast, including the effervescent Betty Bronson, whose career straddled both silent and sound cinema, and the ever-reliable comic actor Edward Burns.

The storyline itself is a deliciously convoluted affair. Imagine our hapless bellhop, let’s call him Wilbur, inadvertently swapping suitcases with a notorious jewel thief. Wilbur then finds himself thrust into the midst of a high-stakes chase involving flapper girls, crooked gamblers, and even a mysterious magician with a penchant for vanishing acts. The humor is quintessentially pre-code: sharp, witty, and occasionally risqué, reflecting the social mores and comedic sensibilities of its time.

The Charm of Vaudeville Influences

“The Night Parrot” wears its vaudeville roots proudly. The rapid-fire dialogue, slapstick sequences, and exaggerated characters are all hallmarks of this theatrical tradition that deeply influenced early cinema. One scene sees Wilbur attempting to navigate a crowded ballroom with a stolen necklace hidden precariously in his trousers – a visual gag worthy of any vaudeville stage!

Beyond the laughs, “The Night Parrot” offers glimpses into the cultural zeitgeist of 1928:

Aspect	Description
Fashion	Flapper dresses, cloche hats, and dapper suits abound, showcasing the glamorous and rebellious styles of the Roaring Twenties.
Music	Jazz music sets the tone for many scenes, reflecting the popularity of this energetic genre during the era.
Social Themes	The film touches on themes of social mobility, ambition, and the allure of wealth and glamour, all relevant to a society undergoing rapid transformation.

While “The Night Parrot” may be a relic of a bygone era, its charm and humor still resonate today. For cinephiles seeking a taste of pre-code comedy and the early days of cinematic innovation, this lost treasure is well worth rediscovering. Imagine yourself transported back to a time when cinema was still finding its voice, and audiences were captivated by stories told with wit, imagination, and a touch of vaudeville magic!