Cannibalism in the Cars

Mark Twain's darkly-twisted humor shines in this underrated narrative of the unfortunate passengers of a train which becomes trapped in the freezing snow. As they begin to contemplate the same choices faced by the infamous Donner Party, they nevertheless manage to cling to both dignity and orderly conduct, forming a parliamentary body to discuss and vote upon which among them will be required to make the ultimate sacrifice for the greater good.

Intended both to poke fun at some of the absurdities of congressional procedure, and to explore the humor in just what sorts of discussions might arise from comparing one man's merit as a source of nutrition, to another's, Cannibalism in the Cars is this editor's most favorite Samuel Clemens short.