The Detectress (1919)

A silent slapstick comedy short featuring the fearless Detective Lizzie on a mission to recover stolen invention plans.

The Detectress - Movie Information

  • Original Title: The Detectress
  • Release Year: 1919
  • Directed by: Bruno C. Becker, Gale Henry
  • Type: Movie
  • Genres: Comedy
  • Age Rating (US): NR
  • Runtime: 21m
  • Original Language: English
  • Release Date (Theatrical): June 22, 1919 (United States - NR)

The Detectress - Plot

Detective Lizzie sets out to recover the stolen plans for an invention.

Where to Watch The Detectress

Looking for where to watch The Detectress?

The Detectress - Cast & Crew

Director(s)

  • Bruno C. Becker
  • Gale Henry

Main Cast

  • Gale Henry
  • Milburn Morante
  • Hap Ward
  • Eddie Baker

The Detectress - FAQs

What is The Detectress about?

The Detectress follows Detective Lizzie, a plucky female sleuth who takes on the mission of recovering stolen plans for an invention. It's a fast-paced silent slapstick comedy packed with the physical humor and comic chaos that defined the genre in the early days of cinema.

Who stars in The Detectress?

Gale Henry leads the cast as Detective Lizzie, bringing her signature comedic energy to the role. She's joined by Milburn Morante as a Policeman, Hap Ward as One Lung, and Eddie Baker as Jip Yu.

Who directed The Detectress?

The Detectress was co-directed by Bruno C. Becker and Gale Henry. Notably, Gale Henry both directed and starred in the film, making her one of the relatively rare female filmmaker-performers working in Hollywood during the silent era.

When was The Detectress released?

The Detectress was released on June 22, 1919, in the United States. It's a product of the golden age of silent comedy shorts, arriving at a time when slapstick films were among the most popular entertainment of the era.

How long is The Detectress?

The Detectress runs for approximately 21 minutes, making it a short film typical of the comedy format popular in the silent era. These compact, action-packed shorts were designed to deliver maximum laughs in a brisk, energetic runtime.

Is Gale Henry a notable figure in silent film?

Gale Henry was a prominent silent comedy actress known for her tall, lanky frame and expressive physical comedy. She appeared in numerous short films during the 1910s and 1920s, and The Detectress is a fine example of her ability to anchor a comedic story both in front of and behind the camera.

What genre is The Detectress?

The Detectress is a comedy — specifically a silent slapstick short. It leans into the broad physical humor and fast-moving comic situations that were the hallmark of early Hollywood comedy, making it a charming snapshot of the era's entertainment style.

What are similar movies to The Detectress?

If you enjoy The Detectress, you might also like other classic and modern comedies such as Johnny English (2003), Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls (1995), They Call Me Trinity (1970), The Flirts (1919), Rolling Stone (1919), and Africa Screams (1949).

More About The Detectress

Explore further details and databases for The Detectress below.

Help Us Keep Our Content Accurate.

Report an Error