He Danced Himself to Death - Production & Contact Info (original) (raw)

Becoming inflicted with a craving for the latest dances, Herman Underdunk, light-footed and light-headed, sends for a correspondence course in Modern Dancing. He practices the "Wishbone Walk" on top of a lofty skyscraper, falls through the...See moreBecoming inflicted with a craving for the latest dances, Herman Underdunk, light-footed and light-headed, sends for a correspondence course in Modern Dancing. He practices the "Wishbone Walk" on top of a lofty skyscraper, falls through the roof of a nearby building into the midst of a wake and onto the corpse. The late lamented refuses to stand for that, comes to life and starts a "rough-house". After his recovery, Herman notices a sign reading: "Waiter Wanted. No Brains Required." He says, "That's Me," and applies for the job. The proprietor gives one look at Herman and hires him on the spot. He tangos among the diners holding aloft a tray of dishes and spills everything over one of the patrons. After the riot has subsided, Herman is fired. He tries driving a taxi, but meets with even more embarrassing mishaps. He borrows the clothes of a sleeping policeman, and catches a burglar, who discovers his captor's weakness and whirls Herman around until he is dizzy, then escapes. Next he joins the army and recruits for Mexico, where he certainly "distinguishes" himself. On the battleship he dances in front of his own cannon, is shot in the back and falls dead. He saves his army from defeat, and at his funeral receives all military honors due a hero. When the band starts up, the coffin seems strangely affected, rocking from side to side in time with the music, upsetting the pallbearers and bounding over the ground. It finally jumps into the open grave where Herman's earthly terpsichorean activities are at an end, but his restless spirit goes tangoing merrily on. Written by Moving Picture World synopsis See less