Hoagy Carmichael

The Forgotten Man

Robert Benchley's wry forerunner to "Father of the Bride" detailing his perspective of the upcoming nuptials.

Jazz Ball

A made-for-TV musical revue, compiled from soundies and film and TV performances by jazz greats from the 1930s to the 1950s.

Beauty and the Beach

This Paramount Headliner short (in-house number A1-1) was filmed at Jones Beach and features a background of pretty girls, bathing suits and the ocean. Johnny Long and His Orchestra provide the music for five songs, including "Kiss the Boys Goodbye", and Helen Young and Bob Huston provide the vocals.

Artie Shaw's Class in Swing

This film is less a typical musical short and more like an educational film. It consists of a narrator describing the music, composition and style of a big band.

The Witness

As Joe Doakes is reading the newspaper, he begins to talk to himself. Questioned by his wife, he explains that he is disturbed by the paper's account of the ways that a government investigative committee has been interrogating its witnesses. Joe then nods off, and imagines that he is being questioned by the committee. He envisages how satisfying it would be to turn the tables on the investigators.

The Trouble with Husbands

Benchley, in his own unique way, starts to drive his wife crazy. First he waits until just as she is serving dinner before he goes to wash his hands and shave. Then she sends him to the store for some butter, and he comes back with everything - except butter. Finally, he decides to install a small shelf on the wall - and makes a major production out of it.

Moscow Moods

Moscow Moods is a 1936 American short film directed by Fred Waller. It was nominated for an Academy Award at the 9th Academy Awards in 1936 for Best Short Subject (One-Reel).

Crime Control

A police officer alerts his audience to the fact that inanimate objects can be as dangerous as human criminals. He then displays several offenders that have recently been brought in. Shoelaces, for example, have an objectionable habit of breaking at crucial moments. The officer proceeds to call attention to window shades, bedroom slippers, and other menaces. He also answers his critics who advocate reasoning with these objects rather than punishing them.

Nothing But Nerves

After some investigation, Robert Benchley finds his nerves are in a bad state. He has the jitters so bad he can't hold his cup still enough to drink his coffee, and he thinks the arrival of some plumbers is just a giant conspiracy to keep him unnerved.

Waiting for Baby

Robert Benchley aims his keen observational skills toward expectant fathers.