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Oh! Rats!
(1909) United States of America
B&W : Split-reel / 485 feet
Directed by (unknown)
Cast: (unknown)
Edison Manufacturing Company production; distributed by Edison Manufacturing Company. / © 25 March 1909 by Edison Manufacturing Company [H124843, H124844, H124845, H124846]. Released [?] 30 March or 3 April? 1909; in a split-reel with Hard to Beat (1909). / Standard 35mm spherical 1.33:1 format.
Comedy.
Synopsis: [?] [From The Moving Picture World]? Bridget rules the household. The agitation of the “Servant Problem” in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Green is at an acute stage. To leave the domestic tyrant in absolute possession of the house seems its only solution. Bobby, the son, by chance discovers Bridget’s insane fear of rats. Bobby tells his father, who uses the knowledge so advantageously that peace reigns once more in the household. Mamma enters the kitchen to see a peddler thrown through the doorway. Her protest against such conduct is immediately overruled by the servant, who forces her from the room. Papa, arriving home, volunteers to “correct matters” and starts for the scene of strife. Entering the kitchen, he finds the grocer in the hands of the tyrant. Interfering, he becomes the center of attack. Deluged with flour, he escapes. At the family “council of war” Bridget’s discharge is decided. The discharge, passed to her through the doorway on a broom, is torn to bits, and papa, bombarded with crockery, beats a hasty retreat. Bobby entering with a pet rat shows it to Bridget: she screams and mounts a chair. Bobby’s peals of laughter bring his parents, who are surprised to see Bridget madly leap through the doorway. In consultation, papa decides to use “rats” as a means of the servant’s discharge. Bringing home a cage of big ones, he places two in a dish on the kitchen table, covers them, and hides to await developments. Things happen quickly. Bridget enters and removes the cover; the rats jump out; screaming, she mounts the chair. It is now papa’s chance. He shows her the cage of big rats, threatening to let them out; she begs for mercy. Mamma and Bobby, prepared, enter with the servant’s grips. Threatened with rats, she accepts her discharge and leaves, to the relief of all.
Survival status: (unknown)
Current rights holder: Public domain [USA].
Listing updated: 27 May 2024.
References: Montgomery-Comedy p. ? : Website-AFI; Website-IMDb.
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