As Published in the MoMA Website. . .

This series examines how silent-era slapstick comedy treats social, cultural, and political topics that continue to be central concerns in America today. Rude forms of comedy have long used incendiary subjects like industrialization, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, violence, and substance abuse as vital source material—and enjoyed great success with mass audiences. The exhibition draws on a body of silent work that is a particular strength of the Museum’s film collection. Since these films touch on a number of potentially sensitive issues, each screening features an introduction that will provide context. All films are from the U.S. and are silent, with piano accompaniment by Ben Model.

Session 1 (May 20th 4:00PM):
Drag Shows: Cross Dressing the Sexes
--Getting Rid of Trouble (1912)
--Sweedie Learns to Swim (1914)
--Chasing the Chaser (1925)
--Get 'Em Young (1926)
--Good Night Nurse (1917)

Session 2 (May 27th 4:00PM)
Race Riots: Beyond Black and White
--A Change of Complexion (1914)
--Haunted Spooks (1920)
--Below Zero (1925)
--A Natural Born Gambler (1916)
--Black and White (1913)

Session 3 (May 27th 7:00PM)
Gratuitous Violence: No Turn Unstoned
--A Deep Sea Panic (1924)
--Their First Execution (1913)
--The Phoney Cannibal (1915)
--The Counter Jumper (1922)
--Cold Hearts and Hot Flames (1916)

Session 4 (May 29th 4:00PM)
Animals and Children: No Harm Done
--An Elephant on His Hands (1912)
--Cat, Dog, and Co. (1929)
--Mind the Baby (1924)
--The Knockout (1923)
--When Summer Comes (1922)

Session 5 (June 1 4:00PM)
The Machine Age: Mack Sennett vs Henry Ford
-Lizzies of the Field (1924)
-His Bread and Butter (1916)
-Get Out and Get Under (1920)
-Squeaks and Squawks (1920)
-Neck and Neck (1924)