Something Simple (1934): Besetzung, Handlung & Streaming

Released in 1934, Something Simple is a komödie film directed by Charley Chase, running about 20 minutes. “He was told to put everything out of his mind. It was simple because there was nothing there.” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. Taken to a hospital, after suffering a dizzy spell, Charley is told by a 'nut', posing as a doctor, that he suffers from 'Tetra-Ethyl", and the only remedy is to sit down, relax, clear the mind and recite a nursery rhyme. The fake doctor gives Charley a package to deliver to Mr. Henderson, the "Supreme Crown of the Knights of the Brown Derby." At the hotel, hosting a convention of "Brown Derbies," Charley suffers a dizzy spell and the only place he can find to sit down is in Mr. Henderson's lap, where he recites "Mary Had a Little Lamb." Mr. Henderson, it is revealed, also suffers from "Tetra-Ethyl." Seized by an attack, Henderson sits down and tries to recite "Who Killed Cock Robin," but forgets the lines, which Charley and Henderson's daughter, Betty, sing in a song together. That, coming at the end of the second reel,is all it takes for Charley and Betty to decide to get married.

Who’s in it. Something Simple stars Charley Chase as Charley, Betty Mack as Betty, Dell Henderson as Tanhauser and Arthur Housman as Drunk, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 4.0/10, Something Simple has proved divisive with audiences.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Something Simple page.

If you liked it. Fans of Something Simple tend to enjoy Forrest Gump, Parasite, Das Leben ist schön and Fight Club.