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In Business for Himself
Also known as [Bill Goes in Business for Himself]
(1914) United States of America
B&W : One reel
Directed by Eddie Dillon (Edward Dillon)

Cast: Tammany Young [Bill], Tod Browning [James Hadley], Fay Tincher [Ethel], Fatty Crame [Izzy], Paul Willis [Bill’s other friend], Max Davidson [the lunch counter proprietor]

Komic Company production; distributed by Mutual Film Corporation. / From a screen story by Paul West. / Released 13 September 1914. / Standard 35mm spherical 1.33:1 format. / The sixth film in the “Bill the office boy” series.

Comedy.

Synopsis: [Reel Life, 29 August 1914, page ?] Bill on arriving at the lunch counter where he has been a steady customer, finds that the proprietor has boosted his prices, much to the disgust of Bill. To show his hatred for the proprietor, Bill, with Izzy as a partner and Ethel as manageress, decides to open a lunch room in an unoccupied office. They procure all the food and coffee at home, while mothers and fathers are not looking, and open up to what promises to be a rushing business. Alas, in the midst of their successes the rival lunchman happens along and notifies the janitor, also Bill’s boss, who comes and puts an end to Bill’s aspirations as a connoisseur of rare dishes. Bill and Izzy are compelled to clean up the office, after which they decide they are better fitted for office boys. / [From Moving Picture World] Bill, on arriving at the lunch counter where he has been a steady customer, finds that the proprietor has boosted his prices, much to the disgust of Bill. To show his hatred for said proprietor. Bill, with Izzy as a partner and Ethel as manageress, decide to open a lunch room in an unoccupied office. They procure all the food and coffee at home, while mothers and fathers are not looking and open up to what promises to be a rushing business. Alas, in the middle of their success the rival lunchman happens along and notifies the janitor, also Billy’s boss, who comes and puts an end to Bill’s aspirations as a connoisseur of rare dishes. Bill and Izzy are compelled to clean up the office after which they decide they are better fitted for office boys.

Reviews: [The Moving Picture World, 26 September 1914, page ?] This sixth of the “Bill” series shows the office boy and the gum-chewing stenographer set up a quick lunch counter at noon. The boss and janitor put an end to the plan. Some amusement in this, though the plot is not so strong as in several previous offerings of the series.

Survival status: (unknown)

Current rights holder: Public domain [USA].

Listing updated: 28 October 2022.

References: Skal-Browning pp. 244-245 : Website-IMDb.

 
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