The Booster (1928)

A silent comedy short from Hal Roach Studios, starring Charley Chase and Edgar Kennedy in classic 1920s slapstick style.

The Booster - Movie Information

  • Release Year: 1928
  • Directed by: Hal Yates
  • Type: Movie
  • Genres: Comedy
  • Runtime: 20m
  • Original Language: English
  • Spoken Languages: English
  • Release Date (Theatrical): November 24, 1928 (United States)
  • Production Companies: Hal Roach Studios
  • Production Countries: United States of America

The Booster - Plot

The Booster is a silent comedy short.

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The Booster - Cast & Crew

Director(s)

  • Hal Yates

Main Cast

  • Charley Chase
  • Edgar Kennedy
  • Ruby Blaine
  • Robert Emmett O'Connor

Writers

  • Leo McCarey

The Booster - FAQs

What is The Booster about?

The Booster is a silent comedy short from 1928, produced by the legendary Hal Roach Studios. It features the comic talents of Charley Chase and Edgar Kennedy in a brief, gag-driven story typical of the era's slapstick tradition, delivering laughs in a compact 20-minute runtime.

Who stars in The Booster (1928)?

The Booster features Charley Chase in the lead role as Charley, alongside the great Edgar Kennedy, Ruby Blaine, and Robert Emmett O'Connor. Chase and Kennedy were both well-established comedy talents of the silent era, making this a fun pairing for fans of classic slapstick.

Who directed and wrote The Booster?

The Booster was directed by Hal Yates and written by Leo McCarey, who would go on to become one of Hollywood's most celebrated directors. McCarey's early work at Hal Roach Studios helped define the comedic style of the era, and his writing fingerprints are all over this short.

When was The Booster released?

The Booster hit screens on November 24, 1928, in the United States. It arrived during the fascinating transitional period in Hollywood when silent films were giving way to sound pictures, making it a genuine artifact of a pivotal moment in cinema history.

Is The Booster a silent film?

Yes, The Booster is a silent comedy short, produced by Hal Roach Studios in 1928. It relies entirely on physical comedy, expressive performances, and visual gags to tell its story — no dialogue needed. It's a charming example of the craft that defined pre-sound Hollywood comedy.

How long is The Booster (1928)?

The Booster runs just 20 minutes, which was standard for comedy shorts of the era. Hal Roach Studios specialized in these tight, punchy short films that packed maximum laughs into a brief runtime — perfect for the variety-style programming common in 1920s movie theaters.

What is the legacy of Charley Chase in silent comedy?

Charley Chase was one of Hal Roach Studios' biggest comedy stars, known for his everyman charm and impeccable timing. Unlike the broader slapstick of Chaplin or Keaton, Chase specialized in relatable, situation-based humor. The Booster is a solid showcase of his natural, likable comedic persona.

What are similar films to The Booster?

If you enjoy The Booster, you might also like Perfect Day (1929), another Hal Roach comedy short from the same era, or classic shorts like The Yankee Doodle Mouse (1943) and Sea Scouts (1939). Kung Fury (2015) is a modern short that similarly embraces comedic absurdity with great energy.

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