The Sun Down Limited (1924)

Hal Roach Studios
Starring:
 Mickey Daniels, Joe Cobb
Directed by: Robert F. McGowan

Synopsis: After playing around with some dangerously real trains, the Gang decide to set up their own railroad.

Cat Burglars (Scene Stealers): Once again cats are used as the principle means of locomotion, this time for the Gang’s train.  The impending gag was hinted at when Joe allows a pretty girl to ride up front.  As she climbs into the car behind the engine you can just see two tabby kittens in a cage.

Our Gang - The Sun Down Limited - kittens in cage on train

Mickey the engineer pulls a lever which says “Go Ahead.”  A corresponding door opens in the “engine” where the Gang’s dog is waiting.  The “Go Ahead” door is raised and a tabby kitten is seen, causing the dog to run on a treadmill and power the engine.  The tabby kitten is less than thrilled about this and hisses.

Our Gang - The Sun Down Limited - kitten arching back in cage

Our Gang - The Sun Down Limited - Our Gang dog chases kitten in cage on treadmill animated gif

In long shots the tabby kitten looks darker than the kitten used in the close ups.

Our Gang - The Sun Down Limited - kitten in cage with dog running on treadmill

The frightened kitten is shown in its cage several times, although the dog cannot reach it.

Our Gang - The Sun Down Limited - kitten arching back in cage

Eventually a flaw is revealed when the dog gets his head underneath the door so it doesn’t close, causing the train to run out of control with no way of stopping.

Our Gang - The Sun Down Limited - dogs head stuck under door of kitten's cage

Disconnected from the cars and running out of control, the engine circles the track and crashes into the back of the cars.  Mickey then tells Joe to get another cat so they can throw it in reverse.

Our Gang - The Sun Down Limited - Joe Cobb brings Mickey another kitten

They place the tabby kitten in a box behind the engine and lift the “Reverse” door so that the dog runs the other way.

Our Gang - The Sun Down Limited - dog chases kitten in reverse cage

In one shot the reverse kitten is seen poking its adorable little head out through a hole.

Our Gang - The Sun Down Limited - kitten pokes its head through hole

Our Gang - The Sun Down Limited - kitten pokes its head through hole animated gif

Final Mewsings: Obviously no one asked the cats if they wanted to be train engines.


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