Miss Barton's Famous Cakes - Noir Short Film

On a stormy night, two detectives come knocking on Miss Barton's door to discuss dark matters surrounding her world-famous cakes.
CAST & CREW
Written & Directed and Edited by Jared Hirsch and Nelson Vicens
Starring Lauren LaVera, Michael Doherty and Charlie McElveen
Cinematography by Gino Varisano
Music by Connor Griffin
Color by Jason Druss
Sound by Jesse Kennedy
Executive Producers- Peter Moller, Douglas Volk, Christine Volk
Assistant Director- Jon Carson
Produced by Natassia Kuronen
Production Design by Brynn Hacket
Wardrobe by Hannah Thomases
Gaffer- Zachary Van Heel
Key Grip- Kevin Gallagher
FESTIVALS
Philadelphia Film Festival Official Selection
Edmonton International Film Festival Tastiest Food Film
D.C Shorts International Film festival Official Selection
Moscow Shorts 2019 Best Short Film
That Film Festival Finalist

[@derek8282]

I think this was skillfully done. There's limited time to give context to the story but it was expertly used to paint a background of Miss Barton. I can imagine she is unhinged by being so sought after, that she now lives alone after closing her dream business. Fame and being fixated upon by the public for a specific talent really can drive some people a little bonkers. By that smile at the end, I think Miss Barton is ready to start baking cakes for the public again, and she has brand new secret ingredient for her fans who howl her...

[@dontaylor7315]

"Fans who howl her?" I think autocorrect pranked you but I can't figure out what you meant to type. Loved your analysis of the film though.

[@KutWrite]

@@dontaylor7315: I think he meant "haunt her," and it's autocomplete, not (obviously) autocorrect.

[@dontaylor7315]

@@KutWrite I call it autocomplete if it fills in where I haven't typed yet. I call it autocorrect if it flat-out changes what I typed, even if the word I typed was exactly what I wanted and even though I spelled it correctly.

[@KutWrite]

@@dontaylor7315: Makes sense.

[@NyghtDarkwatch]

This is 1000% true to the Noir genre. Costumes, set, dialogue, acting nuances --a joy to watch. Kudos to cast and crew!

[@TheloniousCube]

No, it really isn't. It's an okay suspense film, but it's not remotely noir

[@gardengatesopen]

I agree with NyghtDarkWatch. True noir & a joy to watch! AND now I want cake!

[@deaddocreallydeaddoc5244]

No, it isn't! This is a kinky horror film, closer to the Boris Karloff "Thriller" series of the late 1950s, and early 50s. A Film Noir is typically a crime-based film, not a Gothic Horror/Comedy.

[@johngore7744]

There should have been drinks and cigarettes.

[@TheloniousCube]

@@deaddocreallydeaddoc5244 It's false advertising

[@billmurray7473]

THIS is a movie genre that Seriously needs a Comeback. Now More Than Ever.

[@caseyohara4706]

The actress Lauren LaVera (I think?) did a fantastic job here! Her style is so true to form and her voice really sells the character! Well done!

[@thissucksiwannagobac]

Wow! The whole cast was amazing, but that one Detective had the 1940’s patter DOWN. If you close your eyes, it’s like you’re listening to a 1940’s radio noir. Spot effin’ on. The whole short was amazing. More, please.

[@mustangbrown5068]

3 years late to this party. You tube algorithm failed me until today . Would have watched this day 1!

[@JustWill6969]

Well written AND well shot? Why doesn't this have more views?!

[@christinamacneal4107]

Stupid film

[@RossRossiter]

Because the Kardasians

[@juju10683]

because people don't like either one of those things lol

[@jonasenmann7601]

Also well acted

[@freesaxon6835]

It should have more views!

[@liseromar3212]

The make up artist in me did a little wiggle in my seat at the close up of the little tear running down her cheek, and I saw how true to the era her face make up was... Powder-tastical! ❤️ It's the attention paid to all those little details that made watching this such a gas. Kudos!

[@e.l.france5136]

Yes, I thought the tear (and the lighting on her cheek) was perfection. Your comment made me miss the old format of imdb

[@joytekb]

Only explanation why this has soo little views is that you level of filmmaking don't deserve this platform. Best short movie i have seen here by far.

[@peoplezoo]

That means a lot...

[@sherryab3964]

100% agree!

[@joyyoung3108]

This is beautifully​ shot. The play of shadows and light are amazing. There's tension and suspense mixed with humor. Great job.

[@peoplezoo]

Thanks joy!

[@SpymanTIVC]

Wow, this is so freaking brilliant, the music, the lighting, the camera movement. the acting, the story, the suspense. This is certainly the best Noir short film on youtube.

[@peoplezoo]

Hell of a review!

[@geraldmahoney4856]

And the lightning at the right time.

[@Heffalumpz]

Actually, the lighting sucks. It’s too soft and diffused. Films from this era were shot with hard lighting with a lot more contrast and low dynamic range. Everyone these days always gets the lighting wrong when trying to do period pieces.

[@geraldmahoney4856]

@@Heffalumpz lightning not lightning.

[@Heffalumpz]

@@geraldmahoney4856 You replied to the wrong person. I didn’t write “lightning”.

[@richsenecal]

This is a fantastic movie! It reminds me of Twilight Zone episodes back in the early 60s. Very well done!

[@peoplezoo]

That and “Alfred Hitchcock Presents” were our biggest references for this

[@MisterG2323]

The copy for the newspaper clippings is a sly touch. Superb slice of cinematic cake, this.

[@NebulousJ]

The night night at the end is hysterical

[@ginaleith1510]

Omg I came here to say this 😂 'Night night.'

[@dreamer9375]

Everything about this video screams excellence. The actors, music, cinematography, clothes, ambience. Just top-notch.

[@johngore7744]

That guys beard didn’t look right for the 1950s. He looked like a hobo.

[@katashley1031]

Honestly, as an industry veteran I'm genuinely impressed. Beautifully filmed, wonderful music, some good dark comedic moments and suspense, perfectly ambiguous ending. Really just the facial hair and perhaps some lighting tweaks here and there and it's about perfect.

[@peoplezoo]

This means a lot.

[@ericjohnson6634]

I'm glad I'm not the only one for whom the facial hair stood out as a glaring anachronism.

[@johngore7744]

Me too the only men with beards like that in the 50s were sleeping on park benches.

[@jessicaheger1880]

They just escaped an insane asylum. The facial hair seemed believable to me.

[@ianchandler4649]

What an indelible short! It’s gripping, atmospheric, and well acted. Wish the Hollywood industry would do more noir films, but I know that good writing doesn’t always translate to decent box-office numbers.

[@nagarajnanjagol]

I don't understand why such a terrific movie has not reached many people

[@peoplezoo]

Because then it won't be cool anymore

[@gerria2000]

Hard to believe she'd just open her door when soneone knocked!

[@katashley1031]

We even did that still in the 80s, lol. Hard to believe now.

[@Muirmaiden]

I absolutely love this! Extremely well-acted, well-shot, with fantastic music, a treat for a noir fan like myself!

[@meo8256]

I like this kind of storys. Even look vintage i still can felt my heart's start rising when the two detective shows to that women the scratches picture that look like them. I mean they actually the butcher boys who get escape from that prison. Thanks god that women so smart and not panicked. She finally save...❤❤❤

[@peoplezoo]

glad you liked!

[@pretzeltime3900]

Been watching KZbin videos for years. Just today this video was recommended. Why just now when this video was posted 3 years ago. It’s a wonderful short film. It should be recommended more often to more people.

[@peoplezoo]

For 3 years this film was getting very few views. Then randomly a couple months ago it started taking off… Why? No damn clue. The algorithm I guess?

[@john-thomaschavez8306]

Very well-done! The writing, acting, setting, and cinematography was all good, and the 4:3 aspect ratio wasn't just a nice callback to classic noir films, but also helped add to the suspense, as the boxier screen gave the impression of the protagonist feeling trapped. I also loved the use of lighting and shadows, as is must for any good noir film. But one thing that really stood out with the contrast of light and shadows was use of the lighting, especially when building up to the film's climax. Overall great job!

[@peoplezoo]

Thank you for the thoughtful review, John! Glad you enjoyed the lighting! Will pass the message on to our DP!

[@hsefilms5994]

This gave me chills! I should not have watched this so late at night. Absolutely fantastic job.

[@bumfuzzles1936]

What an awesome film! Makes me so joyful to find such hidden gems on youtube! Hope you all reach the audience this film truly deserves. Beautiful!

[@afg3643]

great theme and movie...and them showing respect towards the film noir era...the dialogue...the b/w film and narrative with interwoven content...the film noir era would admire and be so proud..her acting... inquisitive, scared and cunning-superbly accomplished-just my "touche" for the film. In the days when men wore hats, you take off the hat in house.... if there was an academy award for acting in "short" movie's Lauren laverna should win best actress award...her mannerisms, authentic looks and gestures... beautiful and amazing...

[@ringozeitgeist]

Excellent! The acting, writing, sets, camera work, and costumes are all first rate! So much attention to detail, I have to wonder why the one actor kept his beard. On a cop, in this time period? No way. She would have known immediately that he was a fake and not let them in the house. Also, though the fedoras are period, the way they're being worn is not. For detectives, it would have been snap brim or nothing. But enough quibbling. It's all terrific!

[@katekarp3494]

Masterpiece! You saw the turn but it didn't matter. It was so well--er, executed. Didn't go over the top, even with the thunder crash before one of the men said "Butcher Boys." Want to see more by this director.

[@Dagothownsneravar]

this deserves to be a big screen movie

[@andrestarga007]

The BEST short film I've ever seen on youtube. Its incredibly well shot and set. Also superb acting. Thank you for this

[@miggle1875]

So... The first two were the butcher boys, right? Because if so its confusing how they talked about their wives, and then just left? Why didn't they kill her, or at least get the exact recipe, or kidnap her to force her to make cakes for them? I liked it very much, but just a bit confused by that...

[@michellejester9734]

I think we can't overthink it. They were INSANE so they don't think like we do. All they were hyper focused on was CAKE and pretending to be the two detectives. Cake, cake, cake!!! They were obsessed by Miss Barton's cakes. Maybe the next visit was also them? Maybe they'll keep returning? Or maybe she's nuts too? She did hang out in an insane assylum! Maybe she gets a thrill out of her secret ingredient, rat poison! It was very handy on her shelf!! Fantastic film!!!! Loved everything about it!

[@mjremy2605]

I'm confused too, you are not alone. This made no sense to me at all. The conclusion was vague and not clear. Were they all in an insane asylum? Were the first two the real Butcher Boys? Were there no Butcher Boys or cops but just men trying to steal her famous recipe by scaring her? Did they think they were the only ones with the brilliant idea of this stale disguise? Was she imagining the whole thing? I don't know. In Twilight Zone or Hitchcock, there is no guesswork, it is clear. This is why I think this film did not succeed. I think a lot of people did not get it either but pretended to like it and praise it. A case of The Emperor Has No Clothes. Trust your own instincts. They are not wrong.

[@beingheardmedia6339]

This was SO GOOD!!!!!!! BRILLIANT concept. Bravo for shooting in Black and White (people seem to have forgotten how beautiful black and white films were). I fell in love with this film 2 seconds after it started. Oh! I need sequel. PLEASE!!!!!!! My first thought was Hitchcock does cake. But now I think it's more Stephen King meets Practical Magic 40s style. Please do a sequel!!!!

[@peoplezoo]

Check out our other work as well. More films are coming soon!

[@beingheardmedia6339]

@@peoplezoo I'll do that. Thanks!

[@kylebrewer9582]

I liked it very much! Got confused towards the ending 🧐 But it also made me hungry 😂

[@kimerlyhogan6567]

I’m STILL confused about the ending!

[@curtisrobinson7962]

I agree. Q: What the hill happened?

[@sharksport01]

That's the point.

[@trevorbailey730]

I just watched the film, and it's so good. It's well shot, edited, and the acting is phenomenal. You should submit it to ALTER, and Short Of The Week, because this is up their alley. 🍻

[@danielhanawalt4998]

Something special about black and white films, especially with a little sinister twist. Well done.

[@lordmullog]

Extraordinary well made. Good story with a cool twist and great atmosphere. The cinematography is astonishing as well. The old Film Noir Vibe is really coming through in every way. Music, framing, camera movement. Came across it and loved it.

[@shuga1313]

This is noir perfection !!! Such an awesome film that I'm thrilled to have found . Kudos to the beautiful and talented lead actress and tremendous applause to the creative minds that bought this jewel into existence . More please !

[@peoplezoo]

check out our other work! More shorts coming soon as well!

[@shuga1313]

@@peoplezoo I definitely will ! Can't wait to see what the next masterpiece is !!!

[@deaddocreallydeaddoc5244]

This is not Film Noir. It's a Horror/Comedy. FN is about crime or dark human drama.

[@michaelcarpenter4065]

Just seeing this for the first time. You perfectly captured the noir feel….the shadows, the music, and the acting were beautiful.

[@beingheardmedia6339]

And now I'm torn between wanting cake 🎂🍰and wanting to bake a cake from scratch - which I haven't done in YEARS 😂

[@peoplezoo]

Easy. Do both!

[@beingheardmedia6339]

I'm definitely thinking about it!@@peoplezoo

[@shitchops]

VERY NICE FOLKS !! What was the budget and miss barton is a babe, damn.

[@Mr_Guy_Fella]

This is fantastic. What a masterclass on film noir cinematic style! It's excellently crafted with music and tension. It baffles me this doesn't have more views.

[@dhananjaymishra7827]

I just stopped breathing in various scenes It's an amazing artwork

[@anikeshmidya4882]

I have seen quite a few noir shorts on KZbin but I have to say this one takes the cake. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . **Literally**

[@roringusanda2837]

Get out! 😮👉

[@melodymantra]

Amazing...this is pure art🔥🔥🔥 Views are less because this video is only for legends....keep the good work...love from India

[@akirafudo4419]

Omg this has to be one of the most amazing short I ever seen

[@Karen-dk1ec]

Amazing how suspenseful a short film can be.

[@SuperChicken666]

Well written, well directed, well acted. Costumes were spot on. Even the smoke detector over the front door couldn't detract from the noir feel. ❤

[@peoplezoo]

Shhhhh 😂

[@forleasenavidad8877]

This was great and captivating from start to finish, I loved this so much, every aspect is really solid and the production design is amazing!!

[@Funky374]

Lovely, lovely, lovely Miss Barton

[@aidan8151]

This is incredible, the ligthing is absoloutely impeccable and works brilliantly with the classic cinematography, well done team this film deserves way more views😀

[@TheGoodfella95]

Great job!! Loved it. Original, well-written and great cinematography.

[@mariebenz1562]

Thank you! Brilliant! Extraordinary! Well done! The whole film should be recognized by more people. This made my day! Might I have another? More please. ❤

[@cathryncampbell8555]

This is a little slice of film noir Heaven! Now I yearn for a special cinnamon-infused cake....

[@Paraprax]

Riveting! You three come off as actual movie stars, not just amateurs roped into played the part. This was a delight.

[@TastyFare101]

Great short film, well done everyone. Excellent camera work Gino , loved the angles.👍

[@carlossimeone5494]

This is awesome and inspiring. Thank you for making this

[@saallday294]

A nod to Roald Dahl's 'Lamb to the Slaughter' Very well done.

[@lilquentint2447]

Love everything about it, especially Lauren’s and the detective’s performance. She’s one of the best final girls in the current horror genre. Overall very talented people on this production, kudos!

[@kpoplovve775]

This is my 4th time watching this piece of artwork!! I appreciate the attention to the design set, wardrobe, hair & make-up...AND the acting (Whaaaaat! Whoa!) OVATION!!!

[@garretmangio9756]

And all it took was a sweet slice of cake. Four detectives were over with. Finito. The vague reference was funny as hell, but it's not the worst I came up with.

[@peoplezoo]

let's hear the worst!

[@garretmangio9756]

@@peoplezoo Why? Coming up with these comments is such a Payne. 😏

[@peoplezoo]

@@garretmangio9756 more!

[@freesaxon6835]

An excellent short video, well shot, acted lighting, and editing everything 👌🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻

[@hopefullylost4012]

Well written, well directed, fittingly filmed and fabulously acted, not being too realistic. A brilliant short noir.

[@bayvillalobos9148]

Truly great. The lady really has that elegant charm from the past.

[@darringraham9364]

This is most wonderful! Truly delightful filmmaking. I've shared it to my Facebook page with the comment that it is so good that it makes me quiver and flail-about. Thanks for making, y'all Makers of This! 😘

[@64_akaashdutta41]

Fabulous in every aspect. The music is perfect.

[@savkelmanson]

obsessed with this

[@afg3643]

could not agree more. how such a story, acting and cinematography come together in 13 minutes. I tried doing a engine search for Laura Laverna...I would think she is doing much acting now...fanatical acting here...

[@All.Natural.]

Brilliant short film! Excellent use of lighting!

[@Chr.U.Cas2216]

👍👌👏 Oh WOW, simply fantastic!

[@benman1577]

"People love cinnamon. It should be on tables at restaurants along with salt and pepper. Anytime anyone says, "Oh This is so good. What's in it?" The answer invariably comes back, Cinnamon. Cinnamon. Again and again."

[@peoplezoo]

top tier comment

[@kiviuq3495]

Can't stand cinnamon.

[@peoplezoo]

😳

[@cookiecazares5833]

Love it just love it!!❤ Great short with great actors!!

[@sourcepotato_bwobby]

Wow. Just WOW!

[@paarshah]

Im truly amazed by this masterpiece

[@heidihoney_]

It's excellent, hope you guys launch other films soon.

[@mylist7118]

I loved, loved, loved this film. Absolutely brilliant execution of your creative spark in all the glorious rich detail of all aspects. Very rich indeed.

[@rfloader]

Part 2 please!!!

[@arturd.7329]

MasterPIECE

[@theGhoulman]

At the end I went aloud; "Oh, I liiike her".

[@Herbietravolta]

Really enjoyed this film. Great job on every aspect of it

[@FFOGHORN]

Just beautiful to watch! They didn’t just nail the period - at some points it felt like it was actually from the period.

[@LucyLeigut]

Such a wonderful job! Loved it.

[@Parionnix]

incredible work. going to share this for sure!

[@luckyproductionfilms8158]

This was outstanding ! The camera movements were so smooth and precise. The performances were all well acted. I loved how the shots and cinematography were impactful and added to the overall storytelling of this film.

[@peoplezoo]

Glad you liked it. We spent a lot of time devising the camera moves. Check out our other work too!

[@luckyproductionfilms8158]

The time y'all spent on the camera movement definitely paid off and were excellent. I look forward to checking out your other works !@@peoplezoo

[@A7xeno]

A good humourous noir short film? What else could I ask for?

[@TheRealStu9]

SUPER fun to watch!

[@michaeldougherty8344]

This is amazing. Thank you

[@northernhighlandmist1478]

Loved so much the slow pace, composition, acting, noir-style suspense, etc etc etc! But.. did she manage to poison the cake? So would all detectives real and fake get poisoned?

[@b-radsadventures6846]

Too good for words. Loved it!

[@peoplezoo]

check out our other videos as well!

[@scottrhodes8160]

Nicely done! What a well done film-really enjoyed it.

[@missingutah]

Nevermind what the haters say. THAT was excellent! I want more please... Films, not cake 😊

[@IsaacWale2004]

What haters? There are no haters here.

[@carolyn7899]

This is so well-done! LOVE IT!! It really cracks me up personally, too, because I love to bake cakes.

[@peoplezoo]

Our target audience

[@MP-gm5gg]

Loved it , the rain the actors, the mystery ,bravo.

[@kimmccabe1422]

A great effort. Great theme, atmosphere and actress!

[@giorgiapillai8241]

Beautiful! I'm glad I found it! 🖤

[@hybridviol]

truly delicious short noir !!

[@rustyscorner1540]

Absolutely loved this.

[@magicpanda-xuk5007]

As soon as the detectives left I said "Theres gonna be a knock at the door and 2 detectives 100%" I was so happy I guessed it

[@danhurst9048]

This was absolutely amazing

[@CoopedUp74]

Well done! Loved it!!! ❤

[@vooshiningstone3761]

I loved it!!!!!

[@KayEl58]

Beautifully done. The lighting, costumes, makeup, the set, the script and acting all spot on!

[@peoplezoo]

Glad you enjoyed it! Check out our other work!

[@glynislailann9056]

Just one thing though. The gentleman should have taken their hats off when entering the house - old fashioned manners.