Absorbing Junior

Johnny's freeloading brother Henry will go to any length to bet on a tip at Belmont, including stealing from Junior's piggy bank. When Johnny's mother-in-law tells them to take Junior to the dentist to have a tooth pulled, and gives them $2 for the doctor, the game is afoot. The money goes to Henry's bookie, and the boys decide to pull Junior's tooth themselves... by tying a string onto the back bumper of a car. But a pet parrot spills the beans, and mother-in-law goes chasing after them with fire in her eye, and a fireplace poker under her coat.

Directed by Lloyd French, Absorbing Junior leans on a strong ensemble — Shemp Howard, John Berkes, Gertrude Mudge — 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 1936.