English as She Is Not Spoken

About This Movie

So, 'English as She Is Not Spoken' is a pretty interesting little Vitaphone short from 1928 featuring Val and Ernie Stanton. They really just stay in one spot, showcasing their vaudeville act, which is kind of charming in its simplicity. The comedy routines have a light, playful tone, and the songs they perform add a nice musical flair, though it feels almost like a time capsule of humor that might not translate completely to modern audiences. What stands out is the way they play off each other; you can tell they’ve got some solid chemistry. There's a certain pacing to it all that feels relaxed, allowing for those little comedic pauses that bring the routines to life. Just a fun slice of early sound film.

This short has had limited releases over the years, mostly surviving through collectors’ private archives or niche compilations of early sound films. It's not the easiest to find, which might pique the interest of those who focus on pre-code cinema or early sound experiments. The film’s quaint humor and simple staging provide a fascinating glimpse into the vaudeville influence on early cinema, making it a noteworthy piece for those who appreciate the evolution of comedic performance on screen.