Charles R. Bowers

Charles R. Bowers

Birth : 1889-06-07, Creco, Iowa, USA

Death : 1946-11-26

History

Charles R. Bowers was a cartoonist and slapstick comedian during the silent film and early "talkie" era. He was forgotten for decades and his name was notably absent from most histories of the Silent Era, although his work was enthusiastically reviewed by André Breton and a number of his contemporaries. As his surviving films were rediscovery he has been one of the greats of the silent film era; along with Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, and Harold Lloyd

Profile

Charles R. Bowers

Movies

Scanners
Sound Editor
After a man with extraordinary—and frighteningly destructive—telepathic abilities is nabbed by agents from a mysterious rogue corporation, he discovers he is far from the only possessor of such strange powers, and that some of the other “scanners” have their minds set on world domination, while others are trying to stop them.
The Adding Machine
Sound Editor
An accountant whose job is about to be taken over by a computer starts to re-examine his life and his priorities.
Wild Oysters
Writer
A family of mice lives inside a hole in the wall, just outside of the kitchen. One of the mice is ready to go out and get some food, but first he has to contend with the dog and the cat. He ties them down by their tails, and it looks safe to go out now. But then the mouse is confronted by a group of hostile and aggressive oysters.
Wild Oysters
Director
A family of mice lives inside a hole in the wall, just outside of the kitchen. One of the mice is ready to go out and get some food, but first he has to contend with the dog and the cat. He ties them down by their tails, and it looks safe to go out now. But then the mouse is confronted by a group of hostile and aggressive oysters.
A Sleepless Night
Screenplay
A family of mice who live inside of a wall are trying to sleep, but Mom mouse is being kept awake by a dog snoring in the room outside of their hole. She wakes up Pop mouse, and has him go out to try to stuff cotton in the dog's mouth. Later, Pop Mouse goes out again to find some food. He finds a large piece of cheese, but he encounters some problems in trying to bring back enough for anyone else to eat.
A Sleepless Night
Director
A family of mice who live inside of a wall are trying to sleep, but Mom mouse is being kept awake by a dog snoring in the room outside of their hole. She wakes up Pop mouse, and has him go out to try to stuff cotton in the dog's mouth. Later, Pop Mouse goes out again to find some food. He finds a large piece of cheese, but he encounters some problems in trying to bring back enough for anyone else to eat.
Pete-Roleum and His Cousins
Animation
Pete Roleum, an oil droplet, narrates a presentation about the history and uses of oil: He starts by introducing some of his relations, with illustrations of the things that they have done throughout history. He then turns to the modern era, and shows that oil has a great many important uses, some of which might come as something of a surprise.
Pete-Roleum and His Cousins
Narrator (voice)
Pete Roleum, an oil droplet, narrates a presentation about the history and uses of oil: He starts by introducing some of his relations, with illustrations of the things that they have done throughout history. He then turns to the modern era, and shows that oil has a great many important uses, some of which might come as something of a surprise.
The Dumb Cluck
Writer
An Oswald Rabbit cartoon.
The Mechanical Handy Man
Writer
An Oswald Rabbit cartoon.
The Keeper of the Lions
Writer
The title character, Oswald the Rabbit, pulls a foolish prank on the lions in the zoo, causing them to break out of their cage and run rampant.
Believe it or Don't
Director
A parody of the Ripley's "Believe It or Not" shorts series, Believe It or Don't has three narrated segments: a circus act entirely performed by peanuts with stick hands and legs, a hen that lays eggs from which toy autos come out of, and a humanized lobster who looks like a saloon singer walking the streets but actually becomes cheery when he plays the xylophone!
It's a Bird
Charley Chucklehead
Charlie, working on a junkjard, always trying to help people in the most impossible ways with junk from his work place, hears from a German professor, that there is a bird, a Belgish Kongo, that eats metal. Charlie sets out on a ridiculous hunting expedition to catch one. With some music - the birds love music - and a strange worm he is able to catch one, but even then the bird offers some even more over-the-top surprises.
Whoozit
Director
Recently found short
Whoozit
Recently found short
There It Is
Charley MacNeesha
When a mysterious figure appears to cause a series of disruptions at the Frisbie Home in New York, word goes out to Scotland Yard that the Fuzz-Faced Phantom is at work. Soon, Charley MacNeesha and his assistant MacGregor are sent across the ocean to investigate.
There It Is
Director
When a mysterious figure appears to cause a series of disruptions at the Frisbie Home in New York, word goes out to Scotland Yard that the Fuzz-Faced Phantom is at work. Soon, Charley MacNeesha and his assistant MacGregor are sent across the ocean to investigate.
A Wild Roomer
Producer
Charles Bowers is once again an eccentric inventor. This time, he has only a matter of hours to debut his extraordinary new invention in order to collect a huge bequest from his deceased father. Along the way, his evil uncle tries to sabotage the machine, so the inheritance will go to him.
A Wild Roomer
Writer
Charles Bowers is once again an eccentric inventor. This time, he has only a matter of hours to debut his extraordinary new invention in order to collect a huge bequest from his deceased father. Along the way, his evil uncle tries to sabotage the machine, so the inheritance will go to him.
A Wild Roomer
Charles Bowers is once again an eccentric inventor. This time, he has only a matter of hours to debut his extraordinary new invention in order to collect a huge bequest from his deceased father. Along the way, his evil uncle tries to sabotage the machine, so the inheritance will go to him.
A Wild Roomer
Director
Charles Bowers is once again an eccentric inventor. This time, he has only a matter of hours to debut his extraordinary new invention in order to collect a huge bequest from his deceased father. Along the way, his evil uncle tries to sabotage the machine, so the inheritance will go to him.
Nothing Doing
Writer
Charley asks for his girlfriend's hand in marriage, but her father, the police chief, angrily refuses to allow her to marry anyone who is not himself a policeman. Charley then decides to join the police force, so that he can win her. But when he applies, he is rejected because he is too small. Charley doesn't give up, and he soon thinks of a way to avoid the size restriction - but simply joining the force is only the first challenge that he has to face.
Nothing Doing
Producer
Charley asks for his girlfriend's hand in marriage, but her father, the police chief, angrily refuses to allow her to marry anyone who is not himself a policeman. Charley then decides to join the police force, so that he can win her. But when he applies, he is rejected because he is too small. Charley doesn't give up, and he soon thinks of a way to avoid the size restriction - but simply joining the force is only the first challenge that he has to face.
Nothing Doing
(as Charley Bowers)
Charley asks for his girlfriend's hand in marriage, but her father, the police chief, angrily refuses to allow her to marry anyone who is not himself a policeman. Charley then decides to join the police force, so that he can win her. But when he applies, he is rejected because he is too small. Charley doesn't give up, and he soon thinks of a way to avoid the size restriction - but simply joining the force is only the first challenge that he has to face.
Nothing Doing
Director
Charley asks for his girlfriend's hand in marriage, but her father, the police chief, angrily refuses to allow her to marry anyone who is not himself a policeman. Charley then decides to join the police force, so that he can win her. But when he applies, he is rejected because he is too small. Charley doesn't give up, and he soon thinks of a way to avoid the size restriction - but simply joining the force is only the first challenge that he has to face.
Many a Slip
Charley (as Charley Bowers)
Charley attempts to invent a non-slippery banana peel.
Many a Slip
Director
Charley attempts to invent a non-slippery banana peel.
Now You Tell One
Mr. Bowers
The Liars Club is holding their contest to see who can tell the most unbelievable story, with a gold medallion waiting to be awarded to the winner. Disappointed with the other members' bland efforts, one member brings in Charley Bowers, who has an extraordinary tale to tell. Charley claims to have invented a magic potion that enables him to grow absolutely anything by a simple grafting process, and he proceeds to tell his story to the club.
Now You Tell One
Director
The Liars Club is holding their contest to see who can tell the most unbelievable story, with a gold medallion waiting to be awarded to the winner. Disappointed with the other members' bland efforts, one member brings in Charley Bowers, who has an extraordinary tale to tell. Charley claims to have invented a magic potion that enables him to grow absolutely anything by a simple grafting process, and he proceeds to tell his story to the club.
The Globe Trotters
Director
Our heroes Mutt 'n Jeff go on a round-the-world trek.
Fatal Footsteps
Writer
Charley is obsessed with learning the Charleston, so he can enter and win a local contest, which promises a large prize and the hand in marriage of a beautiful woman.
Fatal Footsteps
Bricolo (as Charley Bowers)
Charley is obsessed with learning the Charleston, so he can enter and win a local contest, which promises a large prize and the hand in marriage of a beautiful woman.
Fatal Footsteps
Director
Charley is obsessed with learning the Charleston, so he can enter and win a local contest, which promises a large prize and the hand in marriage of a beautiful woman.
Mummy O'Mine
Director
A Mutt and Jeff cartoon.
He Done His Best
Producer
When Charley asks a young woman whom he is in love with to marry him, she tells him that he needs to get her father's consent. But when Charley then goes to see her father, who owns a restaurant, he ends up getting hired as a dishwasher instead. The rest of the kitchen staff soon find out that Charley is not a member of their union, and they go on strike. Charley is left by himself, leading to a series of upheavals in the restaurant, and a great invention.
He Done His Best
Writer
When Charley asks a young woman whom he is in love with to marry him, she tells him that he needs to get her father's consent. But when Charley then goes to see her father, who owns a restaurant, he ends up getting hired as a dishwasher instead. The rest of the kitchen staff soon find out that Charley is not a member of their union, and they go on strike. Charley is left by himself, leading to a series of upheavals in the restaurant, and a great invention.
He Done His Best
When Charley asks a young woman whom he is in love with to marry him, she tells him that he needs to get her father's consent. But when Charley then goes to see her father, who owns a restaurant, he ends up getting hired as a dishwasher instead. The rest of the kitchen staff soon find out that Charley is not a member of their union, and they go on strike. Charley is left by himself, leading to a series of upheavals in the restaurant, and a great invention.
He Done His Best
Director
When Charley asks a young woman whom he is in love with to marry him, she tells him that he needs to get her father's consent. But when Charley then goes to see her father, who owns a restaurant, he ends up getting hired as a dishwasher instead. The rest of the kitchen staff soon find out that Charley is not a member of their union, and they go on strike. Charley is left by himself, leading to a series of upheavals in the restaurant, and a great invention.
Dog Gone
Director
Mutt has been appointed the judge at a dog show. He persuades Jeff to dress in a dog costume and they will split the prize money.
Egged On
Producer
Charley invents a machine that turns ordinary, breakable eggs into rubbery, unbreakable ones for transport. He builds a Rube Goldberg contraption of parts stolen from his neighbors. Rival egg companies want his invention, one of them stooping to sabotage to get it.
Egged On
Charley invents a machine that turns ordinary, breakable eggs into rubbery, unbreakable ones for transport. He builds a Rube Goldberg contraption of parts stolen from his neighbors. Rival egg companies want his invention, one of them stooping to sabotage to get it.
Egged On
Director
Charley invents a machine that turns ordinary, breakable eggs into rubbery, unbreakable ones for transport. He builds a Rube Goldberg contraption of parts stolen from his neighbors. Rival egg companies want his invention, one of them stooping to sabotage to get it.
Playing with Fire
Director
Cartoon classic starring Mutt and Jeff.
Ups and Downs
Director
Director Charley Bowers has the unlikely pair of Mutt and Jeff go mountain climbing, dealing with the cartoon laws of physics and various wild animals, including a mountain goat with more personality than their exhibit in their movies.
Westward Whoa
Director
Cowboys Mutt and Jeff tangle with a bull on the ranch where they work.
Slick Sleuths
Director
Private eyes Mutt and Jeff are on the trail of the ghostly shape-shifting criminal, the Phantom.
When Hell Freezes Over
Director
This Mutt and Jeff cartoon was directed by Charley Bowers. It shows his typical care, both in the drawings of the characters and a surprisingly elaborate back ground. Mutt and Jeff are out looking for fire wood during a cold snap; the Devil appears and takes them to the Hot Place, where they are put in charge of making sure that the last fire there doesn't go out. Their job is complicated by the imps and demons, as well as the fire insisting on wandering around.
'Lots' of Water
Director
Mutt and Jeff's hilarious hijinks.
Mixing in Mexico
Director
A Mutt and Jeff cartoon.
Oceans of Trouble
Director
A Mutt and Jeff cartoon.
Accidents Won't Happen
Director
Mutt (the tall one) takes out a policy on Jeff hoping to cash in big. But, unfortunately for his big money plans, ACCIDENTS WON'T HAPPEN.
Soda Jerks
Director
In this silent Mutt and Jeff cartoon, Jeff puts some pep liquid instead of the usual syrup in the sodas that Mutt serves to the customers in the malt shop.
Say Ah-h!
Director
Charley has to find an ostrich egg in a hurry for a disgruntled visitor, but he doesn't count on the introduction of some surreal plot twists and turns that foil his every attempt.
Mutt and Jeff - Where Am I?
Director
Mutt’s attempts to help Jeff get out of the pot attached to his head soon leads to dizzy escapades on a half-built skyscraper.
Mutt and Jeff: On Strike
Director
On Strike is one of more than 300 animated ‘half-reelers’ produced between 1913 and 1926 starring the popular American comic-strip characters Mutt and Jeff—and is unusual in featuring live-action shots of its creator, Bud Fisher.
Mutt and Jeff: On Strike
Writer
On Strike is one of more than 300 animated ‘half-reelers’ produced between 1913 and 1926 starring the popular American comic-strip characters Mutt and Jeff—and is unusual in featuring live-action shots of its creator, Bud Fisher.
The Extra-Quick Lunch
Director
A customer arrives at a restaurant in which Mutt is the waiter, and Jeff is the cook. The customer orders oxtail soup, and then argues with Mutt when it turns out to contain no actual tail. After Mutt then attends, with some difficulty, to two other customers, he takes an order for pancakes from an attractive woman. When the pancakes arrive, she is dissatisfied with them, and so Mutt tries to make amends.
A.W.O.L.
Writer
A soldier impatient for his discharge from the army after the armistice ending World War I goes absent without leave and is faced with the consequences of his actions.
A.W.O.L.
Director
A soldier impatient for his discharge from the army after the armistice ending World War I goes absent without leave and is faced with the consequences of his actions.
Mutt and Jeff in the Movies
Director
In this fragmentary episode, Mutt, as a cinema proprietor, has problems with his 5-man orchestra and his projectionist Jeff.