How They Rob Men in Chicago

Netflix just sent me the first disc of the 'Treasures of American Film Archive's' series. I love these things; they're always loaded with gems. Check it out at Amazon if you want.

Anyway, one of the selections wins my nomination for "best titled film under thirty seconds"--the aptly called 'How They Rob Men in Chicago' from 1900. It's pretty funny, too.

The mark is ambling along when he is distracted by what appears to me to be quite a nice lady, but whom University of Chicago film historian Tom Gunning assures us is actually a prostitute.

















Taking advantage of our hero's concupiscent absentmindedness, some ne'er do well emerges and brains the guy, lays him out cold, and takes his wallet.

















Next, a cop comes along and sees old Muggy McTophat on the pavement and proceeds to take what I assume is the guy's iPod or somethin'.















Sorry, Chum.
















That's how we rob a man in Chicago-- the old hooker-stare/brain-bash-one-two knock-out.