Working Winnie

Produced by the West/Weiss Brothers, Billy and George West and seemingly co-written by the cartoonist himself with director Ludwig, ten films were made 1936-1928 based on the 1920 cartoon Winnie Winkle all starring Ethlyn Gibson as Winnie. At least two episodes survive (this one and Happy Days) and, although the quality of the print I have seen is poor, it is pleasant enough comedy typical of a slow but steady shift during the late twenties away from slapstick towards sit com. Much of the first part of the film is simply spent showing Winnie's troubles with the overcrowded streetcar. Having been invited to a posh party, the family hire a car and the Rinkydinks tag along.on tow. They do not know how to behave (Pa tucks his napkin in his front and scratches his ear with his knife and Mulligan is puzzled by the formidable array of cutlery) but all is going reasonably well until the Rinkydinks invade...

The story begins with Winnie (Ethelyn Gibson) going to work and having all sorts of hassles. But after work, she meets a friend who invites her and her family to a swanky society dinner. Unfortunately, her family are a bunch of clods and they end up making fools of themselves.

Overall, the film is a pleasant diversion but it's not especially funny. A few of the laughs are forced though the story is watchable. It's also a chance to see Billy West's wife, Ethelyn Gibson, star in a movie herself. West, if you don't know it, was a prolific silent actor (often imitating Chaplin) and director.

The print on YouTube is only in fair condition...and is a bit blurry and washed out with age.