The Ladder Jinx

Peter Stalton, retiring as a bank cashier, is anxious that his nephew Richard Twing should succeed him. The directors, however, appoint Arthur Barnes, engaged to Helen Wilbur, the president's daughter. Being highly superstitious, Helen makes Arthur promise to cross back under a ladder under which he has walked earlier in the day. In doing so, he is accused of robbing a house and is pursued by the police. Passing the bank in which he works, he sees two robbers making a getaway just as the president and Helen arrive. Arthur pursues the bandits in their car, accompanied by Helen. They are arrested and accused of robbing Stalton's house and the bank, but Arthur is cleared by Sam, the Negro janitor, who exposes Richard Twing as the culprit. Arthur is freed and is happily reunited with his fiancée.

Directed by Jess Robbins, The Ladder Jinx leans on a strong ensemble — Edward Everett Horton, Margaret Landis, Wilbur Higby — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about comedy titles of 1922.