The Fatal Glass of Beer

Synopsis

The Fatal Glass of Beer is a 1933 short film starring W.C. Fields that parodies the overly dramatic 'melodrama' genre. Set in a gloomy Yukon village, the film follows the character Ma Peterson (Mae Busch) as she delivers an exaggerated cautionary tale about the dangers of drinking alcohol, particularly the 'fatal glass of beer.' Known for its deadpan delivery and deliberate overacting, the film combines music, satire, and slapstick humor to lampoon the moralistic narratives typical of early 20th-century cautionary films. Fields’ unique comedic style shines through as he plays the disinterested and often exasperated man caught in this absurd saga, making the short both a hilarious and clever take on morality plays.

Cast

• 

  W.C. Fields

  Mr. Snavely

• 

  Rosemary Theby

  Ma Snavely

• 

  George Chandler

  Chester Snavely

• 

  Richard Cramer

  Canadian Mounted Police Officer Posthlewhistle

• Ernie Alexander

  Student Drinker (uncredited)

• 

  Jack Cooper

  Officer (uncredited)

Reviews

The Fatal Glass of Beer has garnered a cult following over the years for its unique comedic approach and satirical take on traditional melodramas. On IMDb, it holds a respectable rating of 6.6/10 based on audience reviews, which reflect appreciation for W.C. Fields' dry wit and the film's intentionally exaggerated performances. Rotten Tomatoes does not have a critic score for this short, but audience sentiments emphasize its status as an iconic piece of early American comedy. Critics have praised the film for its clever parody and Fields’ signature deadpan style, with film historian Leonard Maltin calling it "a masterclass in subtle comedic expression disguised as overacting." However, some viewers find the humor niche and the pacing unconventional compared to today's standards. Metacritic collects few professional reviews, but modern retrospectives often commend the film's bold commentary on temperance narratives. Overall, The Fatal Glass of Beer is celebrated as a timeless comedic short that showcases W.C. Fields at his finest, though it may not resonate with all audiences due to its peculiar style and era-specific humor.