Boogie Woogie

While his wife is away, Frederick Stumplefinger lets his kids go out jitterbugging on a school night, only to have his wife return early.

dortmunder@dortmunder

June 26, 2024

When his severe wife is away, Frederick Stumplefinger allows his children to go Jitterbugging on a school night. But when she surprises him by returning early, Frederick must battle the clock and two erudite bouncers to collect his kids before his wife arrives at home.

With a simple premise, this short packs a lot into it's runtime. Filled with fun musical numbers, quirky character work (especially from the two cerebral bouncers), plenty of acrobatic dancing and some slapstick moments, you could not find a more agreeable way to spend 17 minutes.

Frank Cook even pops up playing the exact same number from the Republic Picture film Village Barn Dance (1940). Only this time he is playing it on screen for one of the major studios.

In between all of the physical comedy, Robert Benchley even finds time to drop a few of his patented witticisms about marriage.