short subject (short; short films)

A short subject, also known as a short film, is a film that is shorter than around 30 or 45 minutes, and definitely less than 60 minutes. In the silent film era, most films were shorts, such as those shown in nickelodeons. Then, during the early film era, the price of a movie ticket included not only the weekly feature but also "selected short subjects," as they were usually billed. Contrast to "feature films."