The Fatal Glass of Beer

The Fatal Glass of Beer is a 1933 comedic short film directed by Clyde Bruckman, starring the incomparable W.C. Fields. Fields was an icon of classic comedy and is revered as a unique comedic genius. His humor and creativity are on full display in this film. Co-starring with Fields are Rosemary Theby and George Chandler, who both offer stellar performances.

At its core, The Fatal Glass of Beer is a parody, utilizing slapstick to send up a popular genre of its day – the melodramatic, moralizing wilderness drama. The storyline, while employing classic elements of comedy, also seeks to satirically represent the moral tropes that were common in films of this era, in part exploring notions of virtue, vice, and the consequences of one's actions.

W.C. Fields plays Mr. Snavely, a north-country prospector living in a remote cabin in the Yukon, where the frigid gales and relentless snowstorms are a near constant. Upon saying "It ain't a fit night out for man or beast," he perpetually tosses a potful of boiling water out of doors to watch it turn instantly into snow – a recurring skit that’s equally humorous each time it's played out. The film's setting doesn’t only serve as the background for the narrative, but also contributes significantly to the humor, with the exaggerated northern climes offering a rich context for Fields’ quirky comedy.

The film also features Fields' real-life wife, Rosemary Theby, who showcases her acting talent playing Mrs. Snavely. George Chandler joins the cast as their clean-living, morally upright son, Chester - whose benign character plays an important role in the development of the plot as he ventures to the city in search of a better life.

The humor in The Fatal Glass of Beer is derived from the spectacularly exaggerated elements of the narrative and the performances. Whether it be the stern government agent sternly cautioning youngsters on the perils of drinking, the overblown wilderness where even boiling water turns to snow, or the running gag involving a singing dog, the film employs every trope conventionally used to evoke pathos and turns it on its head for comedic purposes. The dialogues are clever, and the performances are exaggerated to the point of absurdity, yet they remarkably create an atmosphere of earnest hilarity.

W.C. Fields is at his absolute best, delivering the eloquently composed lines with his signature sardonic wit. The film is an affirmation of his comedic brilliance and is sure to delight audiences who enjoy early cinematic humor. Fields also showcases his musical abilities in this film, performing a couple of amusingly silly songs that add an extra layer of humor.

Similarly, the performances from Theby and Chandler offer perfect support to Fields. Rosemary Theby is delightfully dramatic as Mrs. Snavely, while George Chandler convincingly portrays the naïveté of a city-bound country lad. The punchy dialogue and physical comedy are well-executed, bringing the quirky characters to life and enhancing the film's comedic tone.

While The Fatal Glass of Beer may appear to be a light-hearted comedic romp at first glance, it also offers a subtly sharp critique on the morality tales that were popular at the time. Its satirical edge adds a layer of depth to the humor and makes it more than just a slapstick comedy.

In conclusion, The Fatal Glass of Beer is a classic representation of 1930s comedy, delivered and performed by some of the greats of the time. It offers an entertaining viewing experience filled with laughter, absurdity, and a dash of smart commentary on popular cinema tropes of its era. Filled with Fields' unmistakable humor and a strong cast performance, it is a quintessential comedy that, despite its age, rolls with effective laughs that will ring as genuine and enjoyable to any lover of classic comedy cinema.