Sheldon (Dick Shawn) makes modest silent films with slapstick and a cast of nobodies. In between actually shooting films, all are on the lookout for feasible story lines and financing. Also, the actors hang around the office studio, filing their nails and such. One of the films they shoot in the course of this film concerns a young man's invention of a cuff link fastener. This long box, into which folks reluctantly put their arms, goes horribly out of whack. In fact, it turn out to be a great criminal catching device! Yes, the main film is in color and the silent film is in black and white. Also, although the dialogue cards are shown, someone voices the subtitles anyway, in case the audience watching this MODERN film needs it. All in all, it was a great concept that didn't come together and was cancelled as a television show. Shawn, who bears an uncanny resemblance to Steve Martin, is actually a joy while the other cast members are entertaining. The period costumes and sets are great fun, too. What a shame that those at the helm didn't have the instincts to make this work. It coulda been a contender in comedy!
