Nearly A Slacker

Released September 15, 1918, Nearly a Slacker is a one-reel Rainbow Comedy filmed and produced by the United States Motion Picture Corporation (USMPC) in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. The film was distributed by General Film Company.

As of the writing of this article (November 30, 2017), no prints of this film are known to survive. If you have any information about the film, please contact us.

An advertisement for Rainbow Comedies appeared in the September 28, 1918, issue of Motion Picture News on page 1949. The text of the advertisement reads: “RAINBOW COMEDIES Will Begin Releases Immediately. One Issue of [RAINBOW COMEDIES Every Two Weeks. RAINBOW COMEDIES Are Fit For Every Screen and Well Worth Every Showman’s Attention. BE FOREHANDED. BOOK RAINBOW COMEDIES AT ONCE. Produced by United States Motion Picture Corporation. Wilkes-Barre, Pa. GENERAL FILM COMPANY, Distributor.”

Nearly A Slacker was the first Rainbow Comedy. An article that announced the new film series appeared in the August 28, 1918, issue of The Film Daily:

“New Comedy Series

General Film announces that it is going to release a series of single-reel comedies entitled “Rainbow Comedies,” made by the U. S. Motion Picture Company of Wilkesbarre, Pa. “Nearly a Slacker” is the first of these pictures and will be released September 15.”

Another article announcing the release of the picture appeared in the September 28, 1918, issue of Motion Picture News:

“New “Rainbow Comedies” Are Released by General

A new comedy brand is being launched through General Film Company as distributor by the United States Motion Picture Corporation of Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Releases under this brand, which will be known as Rainbow Comedies, begin at once. The first release is “Nearly a Slacker,” with Lillian Vera and Eddie Boulden featured.

Rainbow Comedies will be one-reel, high-class, humorous subjects. Among the leads playing in these comedies are Eddie Boulden, famous as a light comedian in many screen releases, and Lillian Vera, a girl of winning personality and beauty. The direction is in the hands of Jos. Richmond, well known as a producer of comedies and features.”