"A Fool and His Money" is a silent comedy film dating back to 1912, considered one of the earliest films featuring an African-American cast. Directed by Alice Guy-Blaché, often hailed as the first female film director, the storyline revolves around individuals gaining wealth and embracing an aristocratic lifestyle.
The movie's rediscovery is credited to David Navone, a California engineer, who stumbled upon four reels of early 1910s films in a trunk acquired at an estate sale. Recognizing their historical significance, Navone generously donated them to the American Film Institute (AFI). The AFI's National Center for Film and Video Preservation, located at the Library of Congress Motion Picture Conservation Center, took charge of preserving the film.
After restoration, "A Fool and His Money" saw the light of day once again, making its public screening debut on July 29, 2018, at Grauman's Egyptian Theatre in Los Angeles. This event marked the film's return to public view, allowing audiences to appreciate its cultural and cinematic value.
Directed by: Alice Guy High
Cast/Featuring: James Russell
Producer: Solax
Running Time (minutes): 10 min
Release date: 1912
![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/GheDsbeuO-E/maxresdefault.jpg)