Feed 'em and Weep

Plot

In this silent comedy short, Anita Garvin and Marion Byron play two young women who take temporary jobs as waitresses at Max Davidson's bustling diner located conveniently next to a train station. The establishment is relatively calm until a passenger train makes an unscheduled stop, unleashing a flood of hungry travelers who all demand immediate service. What follows is a chaotic sequence of comedic mishaps as the overwhelmed waitresses attempt to serve dozens of impatient customers simultaneously, resulting in spilled food, mixed-up orders, and escalating pandemonium throughout the small diner. The situation spirals further out of control as the train's departure time approaches, creating a race against time that culminates in a spectacular comedic disaster.

Historical Background

1928 was a pivotal year in cinema history, marking the final months of the silent film era before sound completely transformed the industry. The Jazz Singer had been released in 1927, and studios were rapidly converting to sound production. Comedy shorts like 'Feed 'em and Weep' represented the peak of silent visual comedy, with filmmakers pushing the boundaries of what could be expressed without dialogue. Hal Roach Studios was at the forefront of comedy production, competing with Mack Sennett and other comedy pioneers. The film was made during the height of the Roaring Twenties, a period of economic prosperity and cultural change in America, when audiences sought escapist entertainment. The train setting also reflected the increasing importance of rail travel in American life during this period.

Making Of

The production of 'Feed 'em and Weep' followed the efficient assembly-line approach that Hal Roach Studios had perfected for comedy shorts. The film was likely shot in two to three days on pre-built sets that could be quickly modified for different scenarios. Director Fred Guiol, who had an extensive background in comedy timing and visual gags, would have worked closely with the cast to choreograph the increasingly chaotic sequences. The restaurant setting allowed for multiple simultaneous comedic actions, a technique Roach frequently employed to maximize entertainment value in short running times. The cast, all experienced comedy performers, would have contributed to the gags through improvisation during filming, a common practice at Roach Studios.

Visual Style

The cinematography would have been typical of Hal Roach shorts of the period, utilizing stationary cameras with occasional tracking shots to follow the action. The confined restaurant setting would have required careful camera placement to capture the multiple simultaneous comedic actions. Lighting would have been bright and even, standard for comedy shorts of the era. The cinematographer would have focused on ensuring that physical gags and facial expressions were clearly visible to the audience. Any surviving footage would show the characteristic high-key lighting and simple compositions that defined late silent comedy photography.

Innovations

The film doesn't appear to have introduced any significant technical innovations, representing instead the refinement of existing silent comedy techniques. The technical achievement lies in the choreography of complex crowd scenes and the timing of multiple simultaneous gags within the confined space. The production would have utilized the standard 35mm film format and camera equipment of the period. The film's survival, even in fragments, represents an achievement in film preservation, allowing modern audiences to glimpse at least part of this typical Roach Studios production.

Music

As a silent film, 'Feed 'em and Weep' would have been accompanied by live musical performance in theaters. The score would have been compiled from standard photoplay music libraries, with selections chosen to match the on-screen action. Upbeat, energetic pieces would accompany the chaotic sequences, while slower tempo music might be used for establishing shots. The theater's organist or pianist would have had discretion in choosing appropriate music, though studios sometimes provided cue sheets. No original musical score survives, as was typical for shorts of this period.

Memorable Scenes

• The chaotic sequence when the train passengers overwhelm the diner, with waitresses scrambling to serve multiple tables simultaneously while food and orders fly in every direction

What Critics Said

Contemporary reviews of comedy shorts were rarely extensive, but trade publications like Variety and Motion Picture News generally noted the quality of Hal Roach productions. The film would have been evaluated on its gag construction, pacing, and the performances of its cast. Critics of the era appreciated the efficiency of Roach's comedy formula and the reliability of his stock company. Modern assessment is limited by the film's incomplete survival, but surviving fragments suggest it was a competent example of the studio's output, featuring the expected escalation of chaos and well-timed physical comedy that characterized Roach's best work.

What Audiences Thought

Audiences in 1928 would have received this short as part of a typical theater program, which might include a feature film, newsreel, and several comedy shorts. Hal Roach productions were popular with theater owners and audiences alike for their consistent quality and reliable laughs. The familiar faces of Garvin, Byron, and Davidson would have been welcome attractions to regular moviegoers. The relatable scenario of restaurant chaos would have resonated with urban audiences who frequented similar establishments. The film likely provided the expected entertainment value for its 20-minute runtime, though audience reactions are not specifically documented in available sources.

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