Bashful (1917)

In the heart of a bustling city, Harold, a bashful young man, is aided by his faithful butler, Snub, as he prepares for a lady's lavish birthday celebration. Despite his anticipation, Harold's shyness prevents him from indulging in the festivities, even denying a much-desired kiss from the female host. The party's rhythm changes dramatically upon the arrival of news from Uncle Bill - Harold's late aunt has left him a staggering inheritance of $2 million. However, this fortune comes with an unusual condition: Harold must be a married man with a baby to claim it. This revelation sparks a whirlwind of events. The birthday girl, eager for a kiss, is more than willing to masquerade as Harold's wife. The real challenge, however, is finding a baby to complete their picture-perfect family. With Snub stepping into his new role as a baby recruiter, the search takes an unexpected turn. A myriad of babies flood their home, each more unsuitable than the last, starting with a colored infant and followed by a chaotic parade of others. As Harold grapples with his newfound fortune, the sham marriage, and the sudden influx of infants, he must also navigate the storm of frenzied mothers seeking their missing children. Amidst this chaos, will Harold manage to claim his inheritance, or will his bashful nature be his ultimate downfall? This comedic romp, full of twists and turns, is bound to leave viewers on the edge of their seats, wondering if Harold will finally get his million, his kiss, and perhaps, a real family.

Bashful is a comedy movie featuring Harry 'Snub' Pollard.

Bashful is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.