The Pickaninny (1921)

A lively 1921 silent short comedy from Rolin Films, following Little Casino through laugh-filled big city escapades.

The Pickaninny - Movie Information

  • Release Year: 1921
  • Directed by: James Parrott, Robert P. Kerr
  • Type: Movie
  • Genres: Comedy
  • Runtime: 16m
  • Original Language: English
  • Spoken Languages: No Language
  • Release Date (Theatrical): December 4, 1921 (United States)
  • Production Companies: Rolin Films
  • Production Countries: United States of America

The Pickaninny - Plot

The comical, classic movie of the big city misadventures of Little Casino.

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The Pickaninny - Cast & Crew

Director(s)

  • James Parrott
  • Robert P. Kerr

Main Cast

  • Sunshine Sammy Morrison
  • Joseph White
  • Ethel Broadhurst
  • George Rowe

The Pickaninny - FAQs

What is The Pickaninny about?

The Pickaninny is a 1921 silent short comedy following Little Casino, played by Sunshine Sammy Morrison, as he stumbles through a series of comical misadventures in the big city. It's a breezy, lighthearted romp typical of the early slapstick era, clocking in at just 16 minutes.

Who stars in The Pickaninny (1921)?

The film features Sunshine Sammy Morrison as Little Casino, Joseph White as The Camper, Ethel Broadhurst as The Camper's Wife, and George Rowe as Officer Snoopey. Sunshine Sammy Morrison was one of the earliest African American child performers to achieve wide recognition in Hollywood.

Where can you watch The Pickaninny online?

You can check current streaming and viewing options for The Pickaninny on JustWatch, which tracks availability across platforms in your region. As a 1921 public domain silent short, it may also surface on free archival streaming sites and film preservation platforms.

Who directed The Pickaninny?

The Pickaninny was co-directed by James Parrott and Robert P. Kerr. James Parrott was a prolific silent-era comedy director and actor who later became well known for helming numerous Laurel and Hardy short films throughout the late 1920s and early 1930s.

Is The Pickaninny a silent film?

Yes, The Pickaninny is a silent film produced in 1921, well before the sound era arrived in Hollywood. Like most comedies of its time, it relies entirely on physical performance, expressive acting, and visual gags to tell its story — no spoken dialogue at all.

What is the historical significance of Sunshine Sammy Morrison?

Sunshine Sammy Morrison was a groundbreaking figure in early Hollywood. He became one of the first African American performers to sign a long-term studio contract and was an original member of the Our Gang comedy series. His work in films like The Pickaninny helped pave the way for future generations.

How long is The Pickaninny (1921)?

The Pickaninny runs just 16 minutes — a typical length for the short comedy films of the silent era. Studios like Rolin Films regularly produced these compact, punchy comedies designed to entertain audiences quickly before or between feature presentations at early movie theaters.

What studio produced The Pickaninny?

The Pickaninny was produced by Rolin Films, the production company founded by Hal Roach. Rolin was a powerhouse of early silent comedy, responsible for launching the careers of Harold Lloyd, Snub Pollard, and Sunshine Sammy Morrison, among many others, during the genre's golden age.

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