This Jam Handy industrial film celebrates gasoline by means of that iconic wacky inventor of the comic strip, Rube Goldberg. Goldberg's comic strip inventions involving series of unlikely complications to produce simple effects -- here he uses a cat, a stuffed mouse, a candle and a bomb to open a restaurant door for a waiter -- were so classic that the cartoonists named their professional award for him. He was also a real engineer and inventor and "Robe Goldberg Machine" competitions are still held regularly.
Although Goldberg is used for marquee value, after a couple of drawings of inventions, including one to tip a gentleman's hat, the short subject shifts to discussion of how to shape an engine piston to get the maximum power. However, that's just the point of the film. For the audience, the fun lies in seeing Goldberg at work.
Although Goldberg is used for marquee value, after a couple of drawings of inventions, including one to tip a gentleman's hat, the short subject shifts to discussion of how to shape an engine piston to get the maximum power. However, that's just the point of the film. For the audience, the fun lies in seeing Goldberg at work.
