Comedy
United States of America
The Fatal Glass of Beer is a 1933 comedic short film directed by Clyde Bruckman and starring W. C. Fields. The film is a parody of the serious melodramas popular in the early 20th century.
The story centers around a Yukon prospector named Mr. Snavely (played by Fields) who receives a letter from his estranged son, who has been away for many years. The son informs Snavely that he is coming home, and Snavely eagerly prepares for his arrival despite the fact that a massive snowstorm has hit the region.
As the storm intensifies, Snavely becomes increasingly frantic, and his wife (played by Rosemary Theby) warns him that it is not safe to travel. Ignoring her advice, Snavely sets out into the blizzard, only to find that his son has been killed in a hunting accident.
The film is filled with absurdities and puns, as well as Fields' trademark deadpan humor. It is often cited as one of his funniest and most underrated films. Despite its comedic tone, the film does contain a few moments of genuine pathos, as Snavely mourns the loss of his son.
