RiffTrax: Shorts The Complete List
All of the RiffTrax Shorts titles listed in chronological order.
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RiffTrax: The Complete List
MST3K: The Complete List
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RiffTrax: The Complete List
MST3K: The Complete List
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- DirectorRichard WaymanStarsWayne ByersThe results of serious traffic accidents caused by careless driving are displayed.| 12/16/07 | RiffTrax Shorts | Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy and Bill Corbett |
- Two children have their Christmas wish fulfilled when they are transported to the North Pole for a visit with Santa.| 12/20/07 | RiffTrax Shorts | Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy and Bill Corbett |
- DirectorTed PeshakA school principal counsels a young student caught vandalizing a desk on the proper behavior to exhibit while in school.| 02/01/08 | RiffTrax Shorts | Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy and Bill Corbett |
- This short featuring "Mr. Bungle", a puppet, instructs children on how to best behave in a lunchroom situation.| 02/22/08 | RiffTrax Shorts | Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy and Bill Corbett |
- StarsWilliam B. McKessonA Juvenile Court judge is at a loss to understand why so many of America's youths are marijuana addicts, so he decides to investigate on his own. He visits Phyllis, a high school senior and former heroin junkie, who tells him about the horrible effects heroin has had on her. She managed to overcome her addiction to marijuana and heroin, but in the process ruined her hair. This leads the judge to the logical conclusion that the drug problem in the U.S. was introduced by the godless Soviet Communists in an effort to "undermine morale" and that the way to stop the drug epidemic was to "use common sense" (an earlier version, apparently, of the Reagan-era "Just Say No!" campaign, and which had pretty much the same effect--i.e., none).
- Our narrator interrogates Cathy as to why she does not eat before leaving for school in the morning.
- StarsJames Rolph Jr.Footage of a surreal publicity stunt by Petaluma, California poultry farmers involving the making of a giant omelet for the mayor of San Francisco as part of 1930's "National Egg Week".
- DirectorTed SteegA documentary about how churches in Racine, WI were attempting to reach young people in the early years of the hippie era in a place where teenagers complained of having too little to do. The project involved converting basements to coffeehouses with folk singing and poetry readings.
- DirectorKarl H. DempwolfS. Marc TapperStarsCanard Emile BarnesTony BarrPamela Jane CruikshankAliens visit a crossing guard and deem her 'Guardiana' (aka Safety Woman).
- DirectorTed PeshakStarsBill FeinMarilyn FisherBunny KacherThe issue of popularity, specifically amongst the high school set, is dramatized. Jerry occasionally goes on dates with Ginny, who goes on "sitting in parked cars" dates with many boys, which makes Jerry feel less special. When Ginny comes by and wants to sit with the gang, they brush her off. Is she popular because she goes on these dates, or is the exact opposite the truth? Jerry is also attracted to the new girl in school, Caroline. He can't verbalize why he likes her, but all in the gang, including the girls, invite her to sit with them. But if Caroline is popular, it means that others, like Wally, are interested also in dating her. Jerry and Wally take two different approaches in asking Caroline on a date, with two different results based on their consideration of her feelings.
- DirectorTed ZarpasA group of misbehaving children come across a magic mirror that, when they look into it, shows them as clowns and tries to convince them to change their disruptive behavior.
- DirectorWilliam Dale JenningsStarsRalph Hulett Jr.Charles HagensDick HuttoThis bicycle-safety film shows children what can happen when bicycles are driven carelessly and recklessly.
- DirectorPaul Nagel Jr.StarsAnita BryantHolly DushkinShannon WallaceThis anti-drug film uses common childhood habits and activities, such as building a machine out of Lego blocks, to metaphorically illustrate the effects and dangers of drug abuse.
- Examples of virtually every possible way that people can fall and injure themselves.
- DirectorRay NankeyStarsBob CraneBob Crane explains to children what he believes patriotism is.
- DirectorPaul BurnfordSusan, a little white girl, moves into a racially mixed neighborhood. Soon some of the local kids come over and ask her to play with them. She does, but her dog, Skipper, will have nothing to do with such funny-looking children (he says, via the narrator). Soon, however, Skipper accidentally gets some paint spilled on him, and the neighborhood dogs attack him, as they don't want somebody who's "funny looking" in their neighborhood, either. Skipper realizes that his intolerant attitude toward the children was just as bad as his fellow dogs' attitude toward him, and vows to change his ways.
- DirectorHerk HarveyA Primer for sensible food shopping and understanding the complicated food gradings.
- Decisions on the basis what is morally right or wrong is not always black and white. Such a situation with young Harry Green is presented, where he is with a group of his "friends", who break some windows at a warehouse late one night, and although Harry didn't throw rocks like the others, the warehouse nightwatchman only recognizes Harry in the group, and knows him to be an otherwise good boy. The nightwatchman has a decision to make whether to report "good" Harry to the authorities. The nightwatchman's decision has a snowball affect in putting further moral questions to a number of other people down the road in Harry's story: Harry's mother who has to decide on whether to give up Harry to the police not knowing what he has or has not done or may be accused of doing; Mr. Kastner, the warehouse owner, who has to decide who and how to make accountable for the vandalism, even if it is someone good like Harry who may not have thrown rocks; Police Sergeant Kelly, who has to decide how much to push for information from someone like Harry who may be guilty in this situation somewhat only by association; Mr. Barker, an elder at Harry's church who is trying to guide Harry; and Harry himself, who has to decide whether to stay mum or tell the truth about what happened.
- StarsChet DavisNora DenneyA boss is having trouble learning how to treat his female employees.
- DirectorWilmer H. KimberlyNeighbors had rather talk trash about each other rather than deal with the health hazards their yards have become. It's their children who do the "adult" thing and carry off the refuse that has become a breeding ground for vermin and bugs.
- Glimpses into the lives of five fifth grade children show that each is a complex and unique pattern. Emphasizes that the teacher must discover how she can best meet the needs of each child.
- A little girl gets ready to take her pet cat to school for the pet show. As she washes, grooms, and eats breakfast, so does her kitty. Her friendly feline is loved by the other kids and awarded the winner's ribbon.
- Life of a teenage outsider; what makes him that way and how his anger flares into violence.
- A showcase of aquatic activities from the 1950s. From sea life doing tricks and getting fed to water-sports such as surfing and underwater basketball.
- Young Jim and Judy learn about proper eating, keeping clean, proper rest and good toilet habits.
- StarsJames AndelinAn educational short film that teaches children the importance of good eating habits such as not rushing, taking small bites, thoroughly chewing food, and avoiding eating sugary snacks as a substitute for completely eating healthful meals.
- DirectorLewis MilestoneStarsWard BondJoseph CrehanSamuel S. HindsDocumentary detailing the dangers and treatment of venereal disease. Tony Medroni is excited about the imminent birth of a son, but when the child is born dead, Tony must face the fact that his own sexual history has caused the child's death. A doctor explains the problem to Tony and discusses other cases with a colleague.
- DirectorFrank MoserPaul TerryTwo children dream about meeting Santa Claus and he tells them a story about what happens in the toy shop when the toy maker goes home for the day.
- DirectorTed PeshakStarsMike WallaceDick YorkFrank FergusonPhil, a student who recently transferred into his high school, keeps to himself a lot, spending time in his basement building radios and record players. His dad notices that he has no friends, and tells him that, like the electronic parts he assembles, "you have to fit in with all hte other parts." Realizing that the reason he has no friends is because he's not one of the "crowd," Phil studies the most popular kids at school, in order to see what traits they admire most, so he can be like them and fit in.
- Feelings of self-consciousness keep a high school boy from doing his classwork well or making friends easily.
- Teenage Bill was obsessed with learning to swim, but his fear of the pool caused him to think of himself as a coward. With the help of swimming instructor Barker, he went on to become one of the best swimmers on the school's team.
- Young boys Donnie and Duncan hop on their bicycles and spend the day together. After stopping by the playground, it's off to the pool where they watch a swim meet before hopping in the water. Back home, they share ice cream.
- StarsTarry GreenTeenager Mary has strong physical yearnings for her boyfriend, so she asks her mother for advice on what she should do about said carnal cravings.
- StarsPeter ThomasA creepy man in a car tells you about how to stay safe from technology these days.
- Teenaged Jeff stupidly thinks that the road to popularity is a fast car and nice clothes. However, his girlfriend and his dad soon show him the error of his ways by proving--via such examples as The Ten Commandments and the intricacies of hydroelectric dam construction, subjects of vital interest to teenagers in the 1950s--that sound ideals, of course, are the basis of popularity. Jeff learns a valuable lesson that will serve him well later in life: if you want hot chicks, forget the red Corvette and the Armani suits--drive a Studebaker and become a born-again construction engineer.
- Today's beer is brewed by experts, served by friendly barkeepers in spotless establishments, and enjoyed by everyone. The industry employs thousands and contributes millions of dollars to the economy.
- DirectorTed PeshakStarsHope SummersJeff and Marie have been dating for a while, and come to the realization that they might be considered to be "going steady." They ponder the significance of that situation, while Marie's mother worries that Jeff might feel that going steady may entitle him to "take liberties" with her virginal (but seemingly not happy about it) daughter.
- StarsIrwin MoonDave explores elegant outdoor garden living, Roman Style, at The Getty Villa in Malibu; Then travels to a very specialized nursery in Northern California.
- DirectorGeorge BlakeStarsDon GoddardTwo family situations are presented with several options of how each could have been handled. Teenager Mary is told by her parents that she can't meet her boyfriend for a date at the lake, and brother Bill sneaks in well past his curfew.
- Miss Johnson appoints Bill the class safety guide. When he sees something safely being done, he holds up a "Go" sign; he raises the "Stop" sign when spotting something unsafe. He flags his classmates on their dangerous activities.
- DirectorH. Haile ChaceStarsDolores FaithMory SchoolhouseCharlotte StewartA high-school track star's wedding plans are capsized by venereal disease and a bad, beautiful new girl in town. His coach and a physician steer him into the light again.
- DirectorArthur H. WolfMargie Blake, a young bride just back from her honeymoon, wants to impress her husband Tim by baking a delicious chocolate cake for his lunch. But she assumes the recipe direction to "cream" the butter means adding dairy cream to the recipe, which ruins the cake. This educational short film explains the meaning of the cooking term "cream" along with other unusual terms such as "fold", "soft ball stage", "knead", "braise", "dredge", "marinate", "scallop", "white sauce", "scald", and "sheet from spoon test". Margie learns that all good cookbooks have a glossary in the back, defining cooking terms for the new cook. Meanwhile, she has time to bake another cake for her husband.
- DirectorHerk HarveyStarsArden BoothTom McGinnisErnie PontiusA teen drops out of a gang when they mug his father for his pencil.
- Howard, a high school student, won't show his parents his report card, because he believes he should have gotten an "A", but didn't, and now he's ashamed to let his parents know. Mr. Edmund, the school principal/psychologist, counsels Howard that high expectations are not always realistic, and when they are not met one gets "emotionally upset," which is a bad thing for a teenager in the 1950s to be. So Howard promises that he will set his sights at a much lower goal from now on.
- Teenager Sally is starting to understand the power of emotions. Her teacher demonstrates how we sometimes become irrational without thinking by springing a rubber snake on the classroom. She realizes that by bringing reasoning to a situation, you don't have to let your feelings dictate your behavior. This knowledge allows her to make the right decision and not go with boyfriend Hank to "Lovers' Lane" after the big spring dance.
- This classroom educational short presented by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety introduces three case scenarios involving young teens and alcohol. After each story the film breaks so the class can discuss the situation they have just witnessed.
- An outdoor fashion show featuring clothes from the Joan Miller Juniors line.
- StarsGeorge PembrokeKay KyserEvery conceivable foolish action by pedestrians is demonstrated, from attractive women who think they can stop traffic with their looks, to kids playing ball in the street. Drivers are no better, swerving, speeding and ignoring signs.
- DirectorBernard WiletsA short that questions a person's right to Freedom of Speech as in the Bill of rights despite how reprehensible it may be. The viewer is the judge.
- DirectorHerk HarveyStarsCliff BemisDavid EarlyCharles OldfatherA cautionary training film for those who operate and repair heavy equipment. Vignettes show men taking short cuts in their work, doing things they aren't trained for, neglecting to warn a less-experienced worker, using the wrong tool or a tool that's in disrepair, ignoring proper safety practices, trying to appear macho in front of fellow workers, thinking their reflexes are quicker than they are, working while distracted, and generally putting themselves and others at risk. The film is punctuated by the song, "Shake Hands with Danger," the story of Three-Finger Joe. Filmed using Caterpillar equipment.
- A kitten, puppy, penguin and lion perform stunts, showing that beasts react in intelligent ways. A lion trainer wrestles and plays with a trained lion.
- Early American Airlines training video for new stewardesses.
- StarsConstance BennettConstance Bennett demonstrates her morning skin-care and make-up regimen.
- StarsBob HiteA look at the dangers and possible causes of gangs and teenage delinquency including over-crowded and under-funded schools with few after-school activities and over-worked parents who have little time to spend with their children.
- Car racing at Monaco, Pikes Peak, USA and Cork, Ireland are highlighted, as well as motorcycle races in Australia.
- StarsDon McNamaraAmericans go about their daily lives, attending schools, constructing houses, dining in their yards, and visiting Niagara Falls. The narrator reminds us that people in other countries do not have these freedoms.
- DirectorOrlando LippertTommy Tucker gets hit by a car and ends up in safety heaven. Or does he?
- StarsDon McNamaraAmericans go about their daily lives, attending schools, constructing houses, dining in their yards, and visiting Niagara Falls. The narrator reminds us that people in other countries do not have these freedoms.
- DirectorOrlando LippertTommy Tucker gets hit by a car and ends up in safety heaven. Or does he?
- DirectorVyvyan DonnerStarsHugh JamesDocumentary short about the training and work of the members of the Women's Auxiliary Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES). The women shown being outfitted, learning to make their bed the Navy way, being inspected and filling essential positions, freeing up the men for combat.
- Shows the necessary preparations for the day's performance of the circus, including feeding, bathing and rehearsing of beasts, and the learning of new tricks, stunts and comedy routines.
- Chevrolet presents this tribute to the American woman and her thrifty ways with money. The film also salutes the individuality of the Amerian citizen and the variety of choices we have in the marketplace.
- DirectorWallace FoxStarsJames DobsonCoulter IrwinNelson Leigh
- StarsNorma ZimmerA stop-motion animated film version of the song "The Three Little Dwarfs"
- A pine tree longs to be used for something.
- DirectorMax FleischerStarsPaul WingSanta and his sleigh crash into some trees while attempting to deliver presents on a foggy Christmas Eve. Rudolph is enlisted to lead the sleigh and is hailed as a hero.
- DirectorBorivoj ZemanKarel ZemanStarsJana HrdlickováChristmas has arrived. As a little girl and her parents enter the room, the little girl finds all kinds of toys under the Christmas Tree. She immediately throws her old doll aside and starts playing with her new dolls. But that night she has a dream. Or isn't it a dream...
- A live-action visualization of the poem, blended with animation.
- DirectorAl ChristieStarsGuy BonhamWalter CarlsonThe JestersMrs. Newlywed must deliver a fine dinner for her husband's friends from out of town. The butcher shop's musical staff recommends the "quality, freshness, and flavor" of pork in the form of Braised Pocket Porkchops and help prepare them, musically, right in her kitchen.
- Chevrolet presents this tribute to the American woman and her thrifty ways with money. The film also salutes the individuality of the Amerian citizen and the variety of choices we have in the marketplace.
- DirectorCharles LarranceStarsBetsy HawkinsWendy LarranceJane TaylorMolly anxiously awaits her first sign of menstruation, which means that she'll be able to date and go dancing. The school nurse explains exactly what menstruation is to her, by using diagrams.
- DirectorWallace FoxStarsJames DobsonCoulter IrwinNelson Leigh
- DirectorLarry FrischStarsGene FredericksEd SimmsNorman DesserBill is targeted by pot pushers who use him as their entry to the "good kids." Needing money because his mother is sick and his father is absent, he drops out of school to become a seller. He seeks help after seeing his supplier shoot up.
- StarsHal Smith
- Adventures of a skunk family.
- Shows the various fishes in a class-room aquarium and points out the ecological role each fish plays. For elementary grades.
- DirectorFrank Ledlie MooreStarsMichele PerraultMr. Moto, a Macaque, introduces zoological exhibits on an alphabetical tour from aardvark to zebra.
- Smug adults make excuses for not wearing safety belts when driving. They also rationalize that their kids are perfectly safe without them. The narrator compares this to gambling at a casino.
- Showing only a hand using a marker on blank sheets of paper, children are told what rectangles are and how they can be used in drawing houses, flags, wagons and other objects.
- Tells about two children who eagerly await the birth of a family of kittens. Covers an eight-week span, showing the kittens being born, learning to crawl, drinking milk, and eating meat. For primary and elementary grades.
- Dramatizes the common plight of high school students whose career ambitions are stymied by their illiteracy. Adults offer advice on how to overcome this problem.
- A boy named Reggie leans to take care of his wreck of a room by frightening items that come to life
- The basic layout of an average American town is explained, from farmland to neighborhoods full of homes. The city's pottery factory and ice cream dairy are highlighted.
- The activities of children playing on the beach are used to illustrate the eight parts of speech in the English language: noun, pronoun, adjective, verb, adverb, preposition, conjunction, and interjection.
- A film depicting the efforts of a young boy in the inner city to grow and nurture a plant.
- Shows a dilemma in which a young boy struggles with himself as he tries to decide whether to stay and take responsibility for an old man whose injuries he and his friends have accidentally caused or run away as the others had done.
- StarsDelila VallotA short about several kids and their families. One kids family can't go camping, one kid's dad gets angry, and so on. But in the end each kid and their mutual families have fun and bond, reminding themselves that family life may be tough, but they're always there for each other.
- Coca-Cola's presence in Philippine culture.
- Shows how the activities of children are adapted to the weather.
- The members of a sixth-grade class learn to construct good paragraphs by composing a topic sentence, by relating other ideas to it in proper sequence and by composing an effective concluding sentence.
- Examines the concept of race in terms of similarities within and among ethnicities. Emphasizes the unique qualities of each person.
- A boy named Joey struggles with his relationships with his family and friend in the aftermath of his parents divorce.
- DirectorRoberto Carlo ChiesaStarsCraig SallesR.Q. 'Bob' ToddMike HamielWilliam is a little boy who wants a baby doll for his birthday. William's Doll is a springboard for discussion about gender roles and intolerance, whether shared one on one or with groups in a classroom or library setting.