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- StarsBobby BurnsWalter StullEdna ReynoldsPokes goes to a bar for a free lunch, which that day is devilled crabs. They turn out to be spoiled, and he begins having dizzy spells and visions, including of the Devil himself (Jabs), who torments him further.Watched on the Silent Comedy Watch party episode 31 - 10/25/2020. A cute one reeler. Pokes and Jabbs. Good special effects.
- DirectorLarry SemonStarsStan LaurelLarry SemonMadge KirbyDirector Larry Semon and a young Stan Laurel costar as prisoners loafing on the chain gang. As both comrades and rivals, their paired movements result in strikingly choreographed slapstick. A climactic chase through the streets of 1918 Los Angeles is packed with the kind of spectacular stunts that made Semon one of the biggest names in silent comedy at the time.This one was not half bad. Has some good interaction between Semon and Laurel. Larry Semon is growing on me.
- DirectorLouis MyllStarsHarry WatsonDan CrimminsDella ConnorMusty has a terrible toothache, so off he goes to the dentist--an experience that turns out to be much more painful than the tooth itself.The Mishaps of Musty Suffer. Crazy. I’m never going back to the dentist.
- DirectorF. Richard JonesHarry SweetStarsHarry LangdonAlice DayFrank J. ColemanA man saves his lady love from Black Mike then comes wedded bliss. He hires a cook, who's brusque, domineering, and constantly smoking a cigar. Out of the blue, the couple gets a visit from his old friend, Roland Stone, bluff and portly. Roland befriends our newly-wed's wife, and this friendship deepens after the husband hires a new cook, the lovely Miss Gainsborough, who gives her boss a little too much friendly attention. That night, a prowler skulks, Miss Gainsborough faints, the newly-wed husband comes to her rescue, and she grabs him and holds on. His wife is offended and determines to leave with Roland. Is the marriage over?Watched it with the commentary from the Harry Langdon Lost and Found Collection. I thought it was very enjoyable. Harry is still not playing his best character but there are moments of brilliance and he is still amazing to watch. He can do so much with so little.
- DirectorAlfred J. GouldingHal RoachStarsHarold LloydMildred Davis'Snub' PollardA penniless young man tries to save an heiress from kidnappers and help her secure her inheritance.One of the better shorts. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/From_Hand_to_Mouth?wprov=sfti1
- DirectorBuster KeatonMalcolm St. ClairStarsBuster KeatonVirginia FoxJoe RobertsA series of adventures begins when an accident during photographing causes Buster to be mistaken for Dead Shot Dan, the local bad guy.Another Keaton masterpiece, and appropriately named The GOAT (Greatest of All Time). Buster is mistaken for an escaped criminal... that’s all you need to set up two reels of pure delight. The shot of Keaton on the front of the train, to this day has film fans stumped as to exactly how it was filmed. The gags come fast and furious and yet are well paced to keep you laughing in between being amazed at Busters athleticism. I have no doubt that if you watch this film with an audience of people that have never seen it, you would be in pain from laughing when the film was over.
- DirectorEdward F. ClineBuster KeatonStarsBuster KeatonVirginia FoxJoe RobertsStrange things ensue after a young man attempts to take his own life.
- DirectorEdward F. ClineBuster KeatonStarsBuster KeatonVirginia FoxJoe RobertsA bank clerk ends up in a seemingly haunted house that is actually a thieves' hideout.An average short. Not well constructed and the plot seems a little contrived. But still, it’s Buster Keaton so it’s definitely worth watching.
- DirectorJames ParrottStarsStan LaurelOliver HardyRussell CusterOllie can't find his hat, much to the amusement of his wife and maid. Then Ollie and Stan attempt to install a rooftop radio antenna.Watched the recently restored 4K version. Amazing. Never looked this good. One of my all time favorites. The opening routine is a bit slow but once the boys start their work, the laughs never stop.
- DirectorJames ParrottStarsStan LaurelOliver HardyBobby BurnsTwo bumbling circus performers inadvertently help drive the circus into ruin and then end up in possession of a flea circus and an oversized chimp.Just watched the new 4K restoration. I have not seen this short in years. Much better than I remembered. Finn and Billy Gilbert are both great.
- DirectorRay McCareyLloyd FrenchJack LloydStarsStan LaurelOliver HardyRichard CramerCommanded to "scram" out of town by a cantankerous judge, poor vagabonds, Stan and Ollie, slip into something more comfortable to spend the night at a sympathetic inebriate's home; however, is this the right house?Another short on the new 4K restoration. This is another one I have not seen in a long time but is much better than I remember it being. Arthur Houseman plays his perennial drunk.
- DirectorGeorge MarshallStarsStan LaurelOliver HardyMae BuschStan convinces Oliver to adopt a baby to placate his wife, but upon returning home with the infant, they find a process server with a divorce summons, leaving the two buffoons to care for the squealing baby.This was one I had in my original Blackhawk Super 8 collection. A lot to like about this one and now restored in brilliant 4K. Mae Busch is brilliant as always and Billy Gilbert has a small walk on. It’s amazing how quickly you could go out and adopt a baby back then. (Suspend disbelief) Ollie’s speech when Stan try’s to leave is a classic.
- DirectorCharles McDonaldStarsOliver HardyStan LaurelLee VickersLaurel and Hardy demonstrate the uses of wood in this World War II propaganda film.Best version I’ve seen on the 4K restoration DVD’s
- DirectorLloyd FrenchStarsStan LaurelOliver HardyDick GilbertStan and Ollie do battle with inanimate objects, their co-workers, and the laws of physics during a routine work day at the sawmill.One of the boys best and even better in the restored 4K version.
- DirectorRaymond GriffithWalter WrightStarsChester ConklinLouise FazendaMyrtle LindA typical over the top, knock about slapstick comedy from Matt Sennet. Chester Conklin plays a teacher that spends most of the two reels dealing with classroom hijinks in between flirting with his favorite student and fending off the affections of Louise Fazenda. It ends with a windstorm and people running about, falling through ceilings, getting struck by lightning and many other things that suspend your disbelief.Watched this on the Silent Comedy Watch Party 32 on 11/01/2020. A typical Sennet knockabout broad slapstick comedy. I can see Loise Fazenda may have some appeal but this was a “hot mess” in my opinion. Classroom hijinks that ends with a violent windstorm and people running all over and banging each other about for no apparent reason.
- DirectorLupino LaneStarsLupino LaneWallace LupinoA well-dressed but inebriated man decides to attend a variety show at the Palace Theatre. During the show, both he and the performers are continually harassed by a practical joke-loving boy who is sitting in a box seat near the stage. Soon the inebriated man himself begins to cause disruptions, with his overly emphatic opinions of the various acts.Second time I watched this on the Silent Comedy Watch Party Episode 32. Very enjoyable and shows how talented Lupino Lane was.
- DirectorHarold BeaudineStarsJack DuffyNeal BurnsLorraine MacLeanA young woman's plan to trick an old rich Scot out of his money backfires.Watched on Silent Comedy Watch Part Episode 33. I love watching Jack Duffy. This was a 2 reel comedy but only this one reel edited version exists.
- DirectorCharley RogersLloyd FrenchStarsStan LaurelOliver HardyJames FinlaysonOn his wedding day, Oliver and his best man Stanley become absorbed in a jigsaw puzzle. Eventually the taxi driver, the butler, a policeman and a messenger boy all get involved with the puzzle, making them late for the wedding.Upon watching this again I liked it better than I remembered.
- DirectorRoy ClementsStarsMargaret JoslinHarry ToddBen TurpinThe Count received word through a matrimonial agency that Sophie Clutts will inherit a million dollars and goes to her father's hotel to win her hand. Mustang Pete, however, is in love with Sophie, and when he discovers the Count is making love to her, proceeds to insult him. The Count challenges Mustang to a duel. Being a blacksmith, he chooses sledge hammers as weapons. The Count is shocked and draws a revolver which is almost as deadly as a pea shooter, and tells the blacksmith to draw. Mustang pulls out two colts about the size of a small cannon and fires in the air. The Count flees and Mustang is free to woo his sweetheart in peace.I think the title pretty much gives you a clue what this one is about. A lot of knockabout but nothing that really stands out. Watched this on the Silent Comedy Watch Party 33.
- DirectorCharles ChaplinStarsCharles ChaplinEdna PurvianceEric CampbellCharlie is an immigrant who endures a challenging voyage and gets into trouble as soon as he arrives in America.Saw this on the Silent Comedy Watch Party 33 but had seen it a few times and far back as High School in 1975. One of Chaplin’s best shorts.
- DirectorClarence G. BadgerStarsBobby VernonGloria SwansonWallace BeeryGloria Dawn lives down the hall from her sweetheart, Bobbie Knight. The dishonest Henry Black is Gloria's guardian, and he is also in charge of Bobbie's inheritance. The scheming guardian and his sister have been spending Bobbie's money, and they hope to have the sister marry Bobbie so that they can keep control over his money.Silent comedy watch party 34. This is one of the films I remember being in the old Blackhawk films catalogue. Not one I ever bought a copy of and after watching it I’m glad I didn’t. While it may have some historical significance for spoofing the melodrama genre of the damsel in distress tied to the railroad tracks, it doesn’t have much else going for it.
- DirectorNorman TaurogStarsLloyd HamiltonGlen CavenderAl Thompson"Ham", an effeminate man-child who skips around chasing butterflies with a net, is forced to go on a camping trip to "make a man out of him".
- DirectorLeo McCareyStarsCharley ChaseEna GregoryNoah YoungJimmy prints up business cards that give his job description as "bouncer," which intimidates everyone--until he runs out of cards.Watched on the Silent Comedy Watch Party 35. An enjoyable quick Charlie Chase, Jimmy Jump one reeler. Watch for a quick appearance of Charlie Hall.
- DirectorAlbert AustinClyde CookStarsClyde CookBlanche PaysonJoe RobertsA timid man goes to extreme lengths to get away from his domineering wife.Watched on the Silent Comedy Watch Party 35.
- DirectorHal RoachStarsHarold LloydBebe Daniels'Snub' PollardYoung playwright spends his last cent to pay the rent of struggling actress in a theatrical boarding house. Pursuing her, he winds up at a gambling club, where he wins big, just before a police raid.Watched on the Silent Comedy Watch Party 35. Harold’s first two reeler. The second reel is an amazing chase with lots of cops. Not one of my favorite of his shorts but anything with Harold is well worth your time.
- DirectorLloyd FrenchStarsStan LaurelOliver HardyHarry BernardNovice policemen Stanley and Oliver, eating lunch in their patrol car, nearly have their spare tire stolen by a thief and his sassy partner. They then miss the broadcast address of a burglary in progress, and Stanley borrows the phone in a jewelry store to call the station, mistaking the safecracker inside for the shop's owner. The boys eventually manage to catch the apparent burglar and bring him back to the station, only to find it's really the police chief, who'd been locked out of his house. The chief exacts a rather dire revenge upon the two rookie cops.Watched the new restoration. Great print and a better than average outing for the boys. I have not seen this one in quite a long time and it’s actually better than I remembered.
- DirectorGeorge MarshallStarsStan LaurelOliver HardyBilly GilbertAlthough they are successful fishmongers, Stan convinces Ollie that they should become fishermen too, but making a boat seaworthy is not an easy task.One of the boys best.
- DirectorErle C. KentonStarsHarry LangdonAlberta VaughnEthel TeareA series of sketches with a shoe clerk, his wife, and his extra-curricular activities. The clerk steps out on his wife with one of his customers. Both his wife and the woman's husband catch them when they go to the beach and later watch a beauty and fashion contest. His wife enters it wearing a mask. Back at work on Monday, all has returned to normal, until the winner of the contest shows up for her prize: a complete wardrobe. Later, the clerk mistakes the manager's wife for his own and sets out to avenge a kiss he sees them exchange. A trip to the hospital later, the shoe clerk still has an eye for a peach.Although not the full Langdon character it’s still an enjoayable film and his first.
- DirectorRoy Del RuthStarsBilly BevanMildred JuneEddie GribbonA woman wakes up to find a man in her house rummaging through her belongings which sparks a manic police chase across the town.There was a lot to enjoy in this one. A typical Mack Sennett comedy.
- DirectorEdward F. ClineBuster KeatonStarsBuster KeatonSybil SeelyJoe RobertsA young golfer is mugged by an escaped convict and finds himself in a prison where he foils a jailbreak.While I found many things to like, it is not a film I would choose to show to folks that are not silent film fans. Also some
pretty violent slapstick at times. the print from the Keaton Shorts collection is not that good. - DirectorLaurence TrimbleStarsJohn BunnyFlora FinchLeah BairdWife plots to cure her husband of his inveterate poker playing.Definitely worth watching just for its historical significance. These films were a precursor of the modern sitcom.
- DirectorLarry SemonStarsStan LaurelLarry SemonMadge KirbyLarry, apparently a wealthy young man-about-town, romances Vera, who has developed a new invention, a gas mask, for use in the war. Larry leaves Vera's house unaware that German spies are attempting to steal the plans for her invention. At a restaurant, Larry turns out not to be wealthy, but simply one of the waiters. When Vera and her father arrive at the restaurant, they are shocked to see Larry working there, but even more shocked when the restaurant owner turns out to be the ringleader of the gang of spies. The gang attempts to steal the plans, with only Larry to rescue both the papers and Vera.Mostly incoherent plot but insane slapstick and some amazing effects.
- DirectorStephen RobertsStarsWallace LupinoLucille HuttonMonte CollinsA man rises to a day in which everything seems to go wrong. He handles it all in good humor, but does he have a breaking point?Watched this on 10/4/2020 on the Silent Comedy watch party. Most one reelers are quick and easy to get through. While this had a few good laughs, Wallace Lupino was not a character that resonated with me. The premise of the film I guess was to laugh off anything bad that happens to you, but it just appeared silly the way he would be laughing at everything that happened.
- DirectorMack SennettStarsMabel NormandRoscoe 'Fatty' ArbuckleMack SennettLong after jilting his girlfriend, Mabel the kitchen maid, Mack is startled to see her onscreen at the local cinema.This turned out to be a fairly enjoyable short in the second half when Mack Sennett is in a movie theater reacting to seeing Mabel on screen. My general comment when watching the film was “It’s a good thing Mack Sennett decided to go behind the camera”. His acting in this is over the top and up against Mabel and Fatty he appears a bit amateurish as far as acting ability. Still it’s worth watching.
- DirectorEdward F. ClineBuster KeatonStarsBuster KeatonEdward F. ClineJack DuffyA young couple who live next to each other in tenement apartments do everything they can to be together despite of their feuding families.Amazing gags fill this film. Non stop action. There is a joke about buster in black face.
- DirectorEdward F. ClineBuster KeatonStarsBuster KeatonSybil SeelyJoe RobertsA newly wedded couple attempts to build a house with a prefabricated kit, unaware that a rival sabotaged the kit's component numbering.One of the first Keaton shorts I saw way back in 1975, and made me fall in love with him. It was also one of the first shorts I owned a Super 8 copy of, so I have screened it and watched it many times and it never fails to make audiences double up in laughter. It is a masterpiece of comedy and introduces us for the first time to some gags and themes that we will see many times in Buster’s films.
- DirectorHarry EdwardsStarsSidney SmithCliff BowesVirginia VancePenniless and without a job, Mortimer has just been evicted from his apartment. When the disorganized Matthew is late again for work, he is fired, and Mortimer gets a chance to take Matthew's place as a truck driver. The optimistic Matthew continues to flirt with his ex-boss's daughter, and he feigns an injury so that he can be near her. Little does he realize that the inexperienced Mortimer is about to affect his life again, in a most unexpected way.Watched this on the Silent Comedy Watch Party Episode 29. It really was a quick little one reeler with some great gags and a thrill comedy ending. Who knew there were alligators in California ponds.
- DirectorCharles ChaplinStarsCharles ChaplinHenry BergmanEdna PurvianceCharlie competes with his fellow shop assistant. He is fired by the pawnbroker and rehired. He nearly destroys everything in the shop and himself. He helps capture a burglar. He destroys a client's clock while examining it in detail.One of his best shorts. Solid laughs and great slapstick. I think any audience would love this. I watched this on the Silent Comedy Watch Party episode 28.
- DirectorMarcel PerezStarsMarcel PerezNilde BaracchiCesare ZocchiOverly suspicious of his wife, Robinet follows her into an apartment building, where he proceeds, floor by floor, bursting into rooms, looking for her. In these rooms he finds a dentist hell bent to pull teeth, a boxing match he gets mixed into, an aggressive bunch of masseurs and lastly, a sculptor.Watched it on the silent comedy watch party episode 28. Ehhh!
- DirectorEdward F. ClineBuster KeatonStarsBuster KeatonEdward F. ClineLuke the DogTwo inventive farmhands compete for the hand of the same girl.One of the better Keaton shorts. There’s a lot to enjoy in this one and I think it would be enjoyed even by a novice silent audience.
the opening scene with buster and Joe Roberts in their one room house using a series of Rube Goldberg devices is great. Buster getting chased by the dog is great.
a big part for Joe Keaton and Sybil Seely is adorable. - DirectorRoy Del RuthStarsHarry LangdonAlberta VaughnJack CooperAs both the local photographer and the sheriff, Harry must track down an arsonist and deal with his un-photogenic in-laws.Ironic that the poster for this film has Harry putting out a fire, because this film is really a burning mess. There are abrupt unexplained changes in continuity, that could be forgiven if any of the on screen activities were making you laugh. Yet no matter how below average it is, you still see glimpses of Harry’s genius. Just as in Picking Peaches there are some interesting special effects with horses and cars doing incredible jumps. The scene where the photography studio is set on fire, really looks like the performers were risking their lives. It should be mentioned that I did get a chuckle when I realized Harry’s character, a photographer, is named Otto Phocus... a joke that would later be used in the 1933 Our Gang comedy Wild Poses (which has a guest appearance by Stan and Ollie).
- DirectorClarence HenneckeStan LaurelStarsLyle TayoJames FinlaysonGrant GormanNanette sends a letter to her family telling of her new husband, Hillory. When Hillory arrives to meet the family, he gets insulted by each member, including the dog, and loses his wig. After having dinner with the family, Nanette's former lover returns, and Hillory must confront him.An interesting one reeler, if for no other reason that it stars Ollie and is directed by Stan. And throw in Jimmy Finlayson as the star of the film for an added bonus. No doubt that Pete the Pup steals the film.
- DirectorCharles ChaplinStarsCharles ChaplinMerna KennedyAl Ernest GarciaThe Tramp finds work and the girl of his dreams at a circus.
- DirectorBruno C. BeckerStarsGale HenryEddie BakerMilburn MoranteGale Henry is hired as the cook at a girls' private college that is located next door to a boys' private college. The plot follows her misadventures and incompetence in the kitchen and her romance with the janitor next door. The climax of the movie follows her attempt to serve as a witness to the marriage of two students.Watched on the Silent Comedy Watch Party #36. I love Gale Henry, especially her work with Charlie Chase in the early 30’s. I’ve seen a few of her other solo films. This one is good but the print that survives has a lot of cuts and jumps that cause you to miss some of the action. She has great facial expressions and she’s good in this film but not as good as she would be in supporting roles years later.
- DirectorRobert P. KerrStarsMark JonesRuth HiattOtto FriesThe Duff family shares a duplex bungalow with a police sergeant and his wife. While the Duffs endure a series of trials in making a home and finding ways to relax, the policeman is worried about tracking down Gypsy Joe and his gang. Soon, everyone involved meets up under unlikely and hazardous circumstances.This is way better than the rating it has on IMDB. I saw it on the Silent Comedy Watch Party # 36. A wild comedy with some amazing crazy slapstick and cartoon like effects. The action never stops and all the star, although not well known, all do an amazing job.
- DirectorFred GuiolStarsTheda BaraStan LaurelOliver HardyA young man visiting Hollywood on family business gets into trouble when he sees a bank robbery in progress, and thinks it is a movie scene.Well if it wasn’t for the fact that Laurel and Hardy make their second appearance together in this film, it would be forgotten. Glenn Tryon made a good number of films, but if this is representative of his ability as a silent comedian, he falls far short. There was really nothing in the least bit funny about him. Stan has a short appearance wearing a giant mustache that made me almost mistake him for Jimmy Finlayson. Babe does a great job and his role as the house detective is a larger and he has some great moments. I particularly like the clever use of animation in the film and enjoyed when the animated cat ran up Babe’s night dress. Overall disappointing.
Update September 1, 2023. I just re-watched the film on the newly restored Laurel & Hardy year one Blu-ray. The film quality was exceptional but unfortunately it’s still not a very enjoyable movie. - DirectorJean DurandStarsLucien BatailleErnest BourbonAlphonse FoucherZigoto acrobatically drives a locomotive gone haywire, which runs through the city causing frenzied bedlam. One of Durand's burlesque masterpieces.Viewed on the Silent Comedy Watch Party #37. Some historical significance but not a great example of what we’ve come to expect from a well done silent comedy.
- DirectorLouis FeuilladeStarsMarguerite LavigneRené PoyenJeanne Saint-BonnetStarring the child actor Rene Poyen as the naughty Bout-de-Zan. Hand-colored & duplicated in 2010, the film was restored on digital intermediate and then written back to 35mm print.iewed on the Silent Comedy Watch Party #37. Bout-de-Zan is a mischievous little lad. In this film to get back at a fisherman who spanked him, he dresses his dog as a crocodile. Hilarity ensues. The print seemed to be hand colored and unfortunately had quite a bit of nitrate decomposition.
- DirectorFred GuiolStarsMartha SleeperJames FinlaysonWilliam GillespieVermuda, a saleswoman in a department store, is very late for work. She relies on a ruse to fool the floorwalker, and when that doesn't work, she relies on her friendship with the store manager. But she is soon disillusioned as to where she really stands with the manager.Watched on the Silent comedy Watch Party #38. Wow. I really enjoyed this. Martha Sleeper was only about 15 when she made this and she was fabulous. A great physical comedian. Too bad she was not featured in more comedies. I understand she had a long career but always in secondary roles. A lose for all of us.
- DirectorFred GuiolStarsStan LaurelOliver HardyMadeline HurlockTo flee from a tireless Forest Ranger, the shabby vagrants, Stan and Ollie, find refuge at a colonel's mansion that is vacant for the weekend. Soon, a couple of newly-weds arrive in hopes of renting the manor. Where is the rightful owner?Long thought forgotten, this film was found in 1974. Amazingly Stan and Babe are almost a team in this picture. Not quite all the way to the characters they would become, but you can definitly see the hints of greatness that would endear them to us in the future. Stan’s character seems a bit more well formed. Ollie, dressed like a bum, is a bit out of his regular character, but as always he is brilliant.
Update September 1, 2023, I just watched this again on the newly restored Laurel & Hardy year one Blu-ray. I’m much better quality print and still a very enjoyable entry in the early Laurel & Hardy filmography. - DirectorWilliam BeaudineStarsMilburn MoranteLillian PeacockHeinie ConklinMay is in love with Alonzo, a detective, but her father will not hear of the match as the young man is not wealthy. So she is delighted to hear that her uncle has left her a house, even though the will states that she must live in it alone for a couple of months in order to get possession. She sets out to live the required time in the house. The housekeeper and her husband conspire to frighten May away so as to get the house themselves. But Alonzo arrives at the house in search of a crook who is wanted. The crook gets into the house and dresses up as a ghost to rob the house. At the same time the housekeeper also dresses as a ghost to frighten May away so as to get the house. The ghosts meet and are frightened at each other as they each think that the other one is real. In the end the crook is captured by Alonzo, who gets the reward that is offered for him, and the housekeeper and her hubby are foiled.Watched on the Silent comedy Watch Party #38. A Joker Comedy. I love anything with Gale Henry but this one didn’t really peak my interest.
- DirectorJames ParrottStarsCharley ChaseEugenia GilbertNoah YoungCharley has several dilemmas facing him at Christmas, all posed by his greedy, heartless landlord Noah and his family. He wants to get an expensive wristwatch for his wife, but his landlord takes it, then his other presents are switched with Noah's, and then he and Noan battle back and forth for a long white beard for their Santa Claus costumes.Watched on the Silent comedy Watch Party #38. What a great Charlie Chase short. Fast paced, funny and a holiday theme. So enjoyable.
- DirectorJames ParrottStarsCharley ChaseBeth DarlingtonEarl MohanJimmy Jump is a coward. Everyone and everything makes him afraid. He cowers from the neighborhood children, even though he's old enough to be their father. He is terrified of Lem Tucker, who is his rival for the heart of Dorothy. Only when he mistakenly believes he is about to die does Jimmy find courage. But will it last?The first appearance of the Our Gang Kids and one of Charlie’s best one reelers. Fast paced fun.
- DirectorLeo McCareyStarsCharley ChaseKatherine GrantMartha SleeperJimmy vies for the honor of taking Nellie home from the dance and wins. But Nellie forgot her key, so Jimmy takes measures into his own hands to get her safely home.Only 6 minutes of the film exists and it’s reconstructed from various quality prints. One of Charlie’s Jimmy Jump comedies with leading lady Martha Sleeper (A favorite). Directed by the great Leo McCary unfortunately it’s hard to tell from what remains if this was a standout in it’s original form.
- DirectorLeo McCareyStarsCharley ChaseMartha SleeperEvelyn BurnsJimmy returns from college and works at his father's iron foundry and helps his mom with a charity event. He goes to a tough dance hall to impress his girl, where he mistaken for a notorious gangster.Another Chase Jimmy Jump comedy costarring Martha Sleeper who is my new obsession. It’s not a bad two reeler but failed to hold my interest at points. The gags were to few and far between. Again, Martha Sleeper is hard to take your eyes off of. Looking forward to watching more of her shorts.
- DirectorLeo McCareyStarsCharley ChaseKatherine GrantLucien LittlefieldA wife suspects her husband is cheating when seen on the street talking to an attractive young woman. She believes she has caught him his mistress. A dancing butler, a game-playing dog and an accommodating burglar complicate things.A real treat. Lots of laughs. Lucien Littlefield is hysterical and Noah Young is also a standout. One of the best of the Chase silents I’ve watched.
- DirectorFred GuiolF. Richard JonesStarsStan LaurelOliver HardyMae BuschCaught between a rock and a hard place, an honest man has to cover for his partner's shenanigans when an old flame threatens to destroy both his career and his marriage with a compromising photograph. Will she spare him?Well Stan and Babe may both be in this film, but they only appear together for a scant few seconds. Oliver Hardy does not show up until 11 minutes into the film and appears for what amounts to less than a minute. James Finlayson and Mae Busch are the stars of the film. Stan provides most of the laughs. There is a brief scene, pictured below, where Mae tickles Stan as they wrestle in the street, reminiscent of future scenes of Stan being tickled - such as in Way Out West. Compared to many of Stan’s early solo shorts this may be one of his best performances. It’s a quite enjoyable film, just not really a “Laurel and Hardy” film.
It was later remade by the boys as Chickens Come Home (1931)
It is the fist film where Stan and Babe appear with Mae Busch, James Finlayson and Charlie Hall (who would go on to appear in 47 films with Stan and Babe). All of them made repeated appearances in future Laurel and Hardy outings. - DirectorFred GuiolStarsStan LaurelOliver HardyPriscilla DeanNeglected by her husband, our heroine decides to make him jealous by getting the handyman to play a literary genius at a party and flirt with her.The boys fourth time together on film. Their characters take a step backwards from their last outing in Duck Soup. While they have many scenes together, they actually spend most of the time fighting. Ollie has a few “Ollie” moments but is missing his mustache, something that would only happen 2 more times in their entire film history. The standout segment of the film is Stan’s pantomime of Sampson and Delilah.
Of historical note, this is the first time the boys share a bed with each other. Overall it’s worth a view.
Rewatch the film on September 4, 2023. Part of the new restored Laurel & Hardy year one silence excellent quality. I still find the film very enjoyable, even though Laurel & Hardy are still in their infancy. - DirectorLeo McCareyStarsCharley ChaseOliver HardyKatherine GrantCharley is plagued with failure and with his brother-in-law, who's allergic to labor. When he decides to take the family on a camping trip, his wife learns about a contest sponsored by a pen company, with the first prize being an ocean trip. To win the prize Charley has to sell those pens - surprisingly he wins, but the ship turns out to be a wreck on it's last trip to the scrapyard. To make things worse they accidentally leave their young daughter on the dock and the ship sails without her. What else can go wrong on this trip?A very uneven short. Funny at times and then it really attains believability. Babe Hardy is a good co-star and has some funny moments but not enough to make this one that I’d recommend.
- DirectorLeo McCareyStarsCharley ChaseKatherine GrantJane ShermanDespite his faithfulness, Melvin is always under suspicion by wife Mame. Complications erupt when a woman from a party across the hall passes out in Melvin's bedroom just before Mame returns.One of Chase’s best. Good performances all around and some great gags throughout. Highly recommended.
- DirectorReggie MorrisStarsJay BelascoCharlotte MerriamBilly ArmstrongDesperate to find a place to live, newlyweds Jack and his wife accept menial jobs in a hotel. Meanwhile, two other couples are squabbling over who gets to occupy the last remaining room.
- DirectorGilbert PrattStarsHarold Lloyd'Snub' PollardBebe DanielsBebe is surrounded by suitors, but her father wants her to marry Professor M. T. Noodle. Harold makes his move by impersonating the professor.A pleasant Lloyd early glasses character one realer. The regular cast, Bebe Daniels and Snub Pollard. Lloyd seems to often include Sound jokes in his Silent films. This one has him
Lip syncing to a record which Snub accidentally breaks and replaces with a record that is obviously not what you would expect coming out of Harold’s mouth. - DirectorAlfred J. GouldingStarsHarold Lloyd'Snub' PollardBebe DanielsA mild-mannered young man has left home, and is now playing the piano in a bar in the west. The dangerous criminal Dagger-Tooth Dan enters the bar where the young man is playing. Soon afterwards, the local sheriff also arrives, with some letters that he has received. Dan notices the letters, and he switches the information in them to make the sheriff think that the piano player is the dangerous one.One of the weaker of the Lloyd glasses character one reelers. The regular cast of characters with Bebe Daniels and Snub Pollard. Just not too many laughs.
- DirectorGilbert PrattStarsHarold Lloyd'Snub' PollardBebe DanielsOur hero gets a job at a hotel in the country and proceeds to introduce some changes, installing gadgets and time-saving devices.Harold’s amazing athletic feats make this one an above average one reeler. Ending is a bit abrupt. Not sure if some of it is missing or that was the actual end of the film.
- DirectorAlfred J. GouldingStarsHarold LloydBebe Daniels'Snub' PollardStage hand Harold falls in love with the leading lady of a visiting theatrical troupe.This is a rather brash version of the Glasses character for my taste. Not many laughs. Definitely one of the weaker one reelers.
- DirectorStephen RobertsStarsPhil DunhamToy GallagherClem BeauchampA homeowner takes delivery of his new radio. The crate is so big that the front door needs to be widened by about a yard. No problem when you've got a saw! In spite of the size of the crate, the radio turns out to be regular tabletop size. Further installation requires punching a big hole in the roof. That's when the downpour starts, filling the bungalow with water. Finally, the radio is working in spite of the torrent falling from the ceiling. The weather broadcast announces clear skies today. Let the fisticuffs commence!Watched on The Silent Comedy Watch Party #40. Can’t say much about this one. I didn’t find it very funny. Very broad comedy that was a bit outlandish. Just not my comedy cup of tea.
- DirectorAllen CurtisStarsGale HenryMax AsherMilburn MoranteThis is another comedy, in which trick photography plays a large part. It is a travesty on the temperance question, siding with the dry element. On the refusal of the Governor to sign a bill in favor of the liquor interest, the political boss tries to force the executive to his will. The Governor, after a series of thrilling experiences, thwarts the efforts of the politicians. The latter calls on Lady Baffles, who impersonates the Governor's wife and secures the executive's signature to the bill. Detective Duck, however, captures the politicians in a clever manner and beats Lady Baffles at her own game.Watched on The Silent Comedy Watch Party #40. Added a star for it’s interesting special effects and because I love Gale Henry and you get two of her for the price of one in this short.
- DirectorRalph CederStarsCharley ChaseBlanche MehaffeyNoah YoungChase appears as a small town cub reporter of the rather "dumber" sort who indulges in some April Fool jokes with results disastrous to himself. A good burlesque on the suspicion with which most people regard their neighbors on the day when every sort of practical joke is adjudged legitimate. About every time-honored practical joke is shown - the placing of tacks on chairs, the rubber hammer and the imitation ink spot.An enjoyable Jimmy Jump comedy. Great for an April Fools viewing.
- DirectorHal RoachStarsStan LaurelBunny BixbyMary BurnsA janitor ends up in the middle of a lover's feud.Had to believe how below average some of these early Stan Laurel comedies are. Not much sign in this one of the genius that he was to become.
- DirectorLeo McCareyStarsCharley ChaseKatherine GrantGeorge SiegmannCharley's boss is stepping out with an ex-con's wife, so he asks Charley to do him a solid and take her to the cabin before her husband finds out. His wife sees them en-route and believes he is cheating on her. Follow that car.Another above average Chase two reeler with his brother James Parrott and the always enjoyable Jimmy Finlayson.
- DirectorMack SennettStarsMabel NormandFord SterlingCharles InsleeTwo rivals for Mabel's hand play a series of dirty tricks on each other. Finally, one of them gets Mabel alone and is about to marry her, but his rival comes up with a strange scheme to stop them. Soon the Keystone Kops arrive on the scene, and chaos quickly ensues.
- DirectorF. Richard JonesHarry SweetStarsHarry LangdonAlice DayFrank J. ColemanA man saves his lady love from Black Mike then comes wedded bliss. He hires a cook, who's brusque, domineering, and constantly smoking a cigar. Out of the blue, the couple gets a visit from his old friend, Roland Stone, bluff and portly. Roland befriends our newly-wed's wife, and this friendship deepens after the husband hires a new cook, the lovely Miss Gainsborough, who gives her boss a little too much friendly attention. That night, a prowler skulks, Miss Gainsborough faints, the newly-wed husband comes to her rescue, and she grabs him and holds on. His wife is offended and determines to leave with Roland. Is the marriage over?Watched it with the commentary from the Harry Langdon Lost and Found Collection. I thought it was very enjoyable. Harry is still not playing his best character but there are moments of brilliance and he is still amazing to watch. He can do so much with so little.
- DirectorHarry EdwardsStarsHarry LangdonNatalie KingstonWilliam McCallIn Highland Park, it's Agnes Fisher and Harold Hope's wedding day. Mishaps almost keep them from getting hitched: he goes to the wrong church, then, one of the guests, Professor McGlumm, convinces him that the bride only wants him to collect his life insurance. Finally they marry and her family moves in with them. Harold is now convinced that he'll be poisoned at dinner. When further mishaps give him stomach problems, McGlumm rushes him toward the hospital. On the trip, all is revealed and it takes a bride's kiss to set things right.This is Harry at his best. Vernon Dent is brilliant.
- DirectorRoscoe 'Fatty' ArbuckleStarsJohnny ArthurVirginia VanceChick CollinsThe wife and doctor of a hypochondriac come up with a creative way to cure him of his malady.Watched it on the silent Comedy Watch Party #41. Definitely not one of my favorites. Directed by Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle.
- DirectorLouis MyllStarsHarry WatsonMaxfield MoreeH.H. McCullumMusty appropriates a bicycle but proves to be a poor rider, as far as the "safety first" principle is concerned. In attempting to avoid running down a lady intent upon tying her shoelaces in the middle of the sidewalk. Musty crashes through the door of a telegraph office, temporarily wrecking the establishment. Seeing his bicycle, and being in need of a messenger boy, the telegraph operator drafts Musty to fill the job. Our hero is magically provided with an A.D.T. uniform and put to work. To prove he is a real, genuine messenger boy, Musty promptly falls into a deep sleep on the bench. The lady fair finds it necessary to have a lot of long poles taken away from her house and sends for a boy. Musty is awakened with considerable difficulty, and only after unique methods, savoring of the physical rather than the psychological, are applied. On his way to the residence of the lady fair, his bicycle breaks down and he is forced to "get out and get under." While he is lying prone on the roadway, an automobile backs over him and stops with one of the rear wheels resting on Musty's chest. Musty finds this very annoying indeed, and appeals to a passing, cop. The cop, after examining the chauffeur's license and chatting with him for some time, orders him to proceed, and Musty is released from his predicament. Musty goes on to his destination and manages to get the poles through the door by widening the latter with a saw. His next trip is to the home of another lady, and while waiting for her to give him the package he is to deliver, he is subjected to a terrible shock. The lady goes behind a screen, and immediately various bits of feminine wearing apparel are tossed over the screen, alighting at Musty's feet. Musty's face shows his mental agony, but pretty soon the screen falls and shows that the buxom lady of the house has merely been searching a trunk to find the box that Musty is to take away. In the park, a pretty nurse maid persuades the ever-obliging Musty to mind the baby carriage while she talks politics to the park policeman. Musty tires of rocking the carriage and stops. Then he gets a terrible shock, for the infant, who wears long whiskers and weighs nearly two hundred pounds, raises up from the perambulator and commands: "Rock me, ya big bum, rock me." And Musty rocks him, with a rock. Musty is provided with two lively assistants. Speedy Rush and Inna Hurry, who strangely resemble lay figures, but who work beautifully in harmony with the energetic Musty. The three get into trouble with the cop, who pursues them until they fall over a cliff. The audience is not long left in suspense as to their fate, however, for Musty and his pals calmly get up and walk away.Watched on the Silent Comedy Watch Party #41. Typical Musty Suffer. Outrageous gags.
- DirectorBuster KeatonMalcolm St. ClairStarsBuster KeatonVirginia FoxJoe RobertsBuster Keaton shoes horses and repairs cars, with mixed results.Viewed on the silent comedy watch party #41. Even the weaker Keaton shorts are still worth watching. This is not one of my favorites but it still has an amazing amount of fun gags and great laughs.
- DirectorLupino LaneStarsLupino LaneWallace LupinoFay HoldernessLupino Lane is growing in me. No doubt he’s brilliant at physical comedy. Some routines rely on precise timing. Yet there are still times in this film that I feel the comedy is a bit strained. You need to suspend disbelief because outrageous things occur.
- DirectorHal RoachStarsStan LaurelClarine SeymourNoah YoungA nervy young man follows a pretty lady into a diner to flirt with her, but winds up getting stuck with the tab.Watched on the Silent Comedy Watch Party #45. A typical Stan Laurel one reeler. Lots of slapstick action but not anything to get excited over. Thank hod he found his real character with Babe and went on to comedy history.
- DirectorVan Dyke BrookeStarsVan Dyke BrookeNorma TalmadgeLeo DelaneyLove finds a way, that in very plain, when Sam and Doris make use of their father's new hat to convey their love missives to each other, because Doris' father objects to his clerk's attention to his daughter. Doris Mason and Sam meet whenever they can and her father is not altogether unsuspecting, very evidently, when he hurries into the sitting room. Sam escapes without being seen. The next morning Doris sends a note to Sam by placing it in the sweat-band of papa's hat. Sam is working hard at his desk when his boss arrives at the office, but he does not fail to reach for the hat as soon as Mason places it on the rack and extract Doris' note from the band. Later in the day, Sam deposits his note in the band and upon the boss's arrival at home for lunch, Doris finds the following epistle: "Dearie: Let's elope. Pack up and meet me at the fountain in Riverside tonight." Doris quickly answered it as follows: "Dearest Buddy: The fountain at Riverside will be most convenient for me. We can leave on the 7:30. Love and kisses." This is deposited in Pop's hat and he hurriedly leaves the house. Mr. Mason, feeling the need of a shave, stops in the barber's, and after having his face scraped, takes Henpeck's hat in mistake for his own. When Henpeck gets shaved he hastily picks up Mason's hat and goes home. Mrs. Henpeck takes his hat and the note falls out. She reads it and goes out determined to confront the brazen huzzy. Henpeck dashes after her. In the meantime. Mason discovers his mistake and goes to the barber's to learn who carried off his hat. Henpeck comes in with the same purpose. Explanations follow. Mason guesses where the note came from and together the two men do a marathon for the fountain. Here they find Mrs. Henpeck giving Doris a piece of her mind. Mason pacifies her and Doris confesses. While this is going on, Sam makes his appearance. Mr. Mason advises them to elope as they had planned and sends them rejoicing on their way.Watched on the Silent Comedy Watch Party #43. This was actually a quite enjoyable Vitaphone short. A domestic comedy around a mixup with two secret lovers sharing notes placed in the wrong hatband. Flora Finch provides her usual standout performance.
- DirectorDel LordStarsBilly BevanSidney SmithJack LloydTwo rival auto repair shops compete in a no-holds-barred 250-mile road race.Watched on the Silent Comedy Watch Party #43. This movie was always featured in the Blackhawk film catalogues. I never got it because I wanted to save my money for Laurel and Hardy. It’s a typical fast paced Sennett comedy with lots of good gags and laughs to go around. The car stretch gag is my personal favorite.
- DirectorMark SandrichStarsLupino LaneWallace LupinoJack LloydA wandering swordsman in the reign of Louis XIII stumbles into a nest of conspirators against the King when his horse throws him and he is forced to seek refuge in a nearby inn. Without money or rank, he is treated ignominiously by patron and customers, but when a captured messenger from the King arrives, accompanied by a lovely lady, he swings into action to save the day. Or try to...I loved it. Continuous amazing action and Lupino Lane takes the most acrobatic falls. Some reviewers felt there were a lot of repetitive gags. It didn’t strike me that way. One of the best Lupino lane shorts I’ve seen.
- DirectorGilbert PrattStarsStan LaurelDrin MoroColin KennyStan plays a mischievous and clumsy worker in a lumber factory.
- DirectorLupino LaneStarsLupino LaneWallace LupinoMuriel EvansAt a toy hospital, an apprentice deals with a trouble-making boy and his clueless mother. After they leave, he is forced to work late, falls asleep and dreams of a castle where the toys in the shop come to life.I may have rated this a little bit low only because it’s the second Lupino Lane short that I’ve watched that has a lot of dodging in and out of doorways. It seems to get a little bit repetitive. But even with that slight criticism, it’s still a fun short to watch. The concept is a good one, with lane falling asleep and dreaming himself into a scene with toys.
- DirectorWilliam BeaudineStarsHarry DeppGeorge C. PearceElinor FieldJimmy, who buys everything on the Easy Payment plan, wants to marry Betty who's dad believes Cash Is King.Watched on the Silent Comedy Watch Party #44
Jimmy tries to convince Mr Gordon that he has great earning potential, so he can marry his daughter, Betty. They plan to furnish their first house on “The Installment Plan”. Mr Gordon is fine with the wedding but dead set against buying on credit.
Jimmy and Betty go ahead against Mr Gordon’s wishes and buy on “payment plans”. Mr Gordon is friends with the creditors and sets out to teach them a lesson, that “Cash is King”.
A pleasant little one reeler. - DirectorScott PembrokeStarsAlyce ArdellLewis SargentJames DonnellyThis Blue Ribbon Comedy treats on the subject of a love sick couple who are afraid of the girls father. The cousin of the boy decides he will fix things up for the lovers and all his attempts result in getting the boy in worse with his prospective father-in-law. The lovers finally elope and are pursued by the irate father who of course must become reconciled now that the couple are wedded.Watched on the Silent Comedy Watch Party #44 - Only one reel of this two-reeler exists, so there are a few issue in continuity with the chopped down version. Bud Jamison is a standout and there are some great gags with the hats.
- DirectorCharles ChaplinStarsCharles ChaplinEdna PurvianceEric CampbellThe fifth film in the Mutual series Charlie Chaplin impersonates a man of means in order to underscore the contrast between rich and poor.Watched on the Silent Comedy Watch Party #44
- DirectorHal RoachStarsHarold LloydBebe Daniels'Snub' PollardWhile on the job, delivering a message, Luke finds himself in a girl's seminary.
- DirectorHal MohrGilbert PrattStarsHarold Lloyd'Snub' PollardBebe DanielsA clerk in a failing antiques store gets a big idea on how to move the merchandise so that he can save the store and possibly win the girl.
- DirectorHarold LloydJ. Farrell MacDonaldStarsHarold LloydBebe Daniels'Snub' PollardSnitch steals Ginger's baseball tickets and takes Ginger's girl to the game. Finding himself without tickets, Ginger dresses as a baseball player and wins the game.
- DirectorAlfred J. GouldingStarsHarold Lloyd'Snub' PollardBebe DanielsA rich man's daughter has more suitors than she's interested in, and he's going to marry her off -- even if she's doesn't know about it.
- DirectorAlfred J. GouldingStarsHarold Lloyd'Snub' PollardBebe DanielsA photo studio operator seems only interested in flirting with women. After slapping at his advance, a women phones her husband to come kill him. Unsure what to do, Harold randomly enters the studio and is offered to 'manage' the store.
- DirectorWallace MacDonaldStarsHenry MurdockLucille HuttonBilly BrandonA married couple with a toddler bicker about waking up in the morning and who will make breakfast.Watched on the Silent Comedy Watch Party #45. A Cameo comedy. Not very original. I wouldn’t recommend it.
- DirectorAlfred J. GouldingStarsHarold LloydBebe Daniels'Snub' PollardA man who goes by the name The Sport decides where he wants to spend his last twenty-five cents. He chases the girl he's infatuated with, and encounters colorful characters along the way.Been watching many early Lloyd one reelers and this is one of my favorites.
- DirectorHarold LloydGilbert PrattStarsHarold LloydBebe Daniels'Snub' PollardEarly Harold Lloyd silent movie where more and more misunderstandings leads Lloyd to jail and back.
- DirectorRoscoe 'Fatty' ArbuckleStarsRoscoe 'Fatty' ArbuckleMabel NormandAl St. JohnThe beach front house, where Fatty and Mabel live, has been "launched" out to sea by the villains. When Fatty and Mabel arise, they find the beds floating in a sea of water.
- DirectorAlfred J. GouldingStarsHarold Lloyd'Snub' PollardBebe DanielsOur hero, a professor in Turkey, challenges a Sultan for the affections of a girl.Not much of any coherent plot here. Just Harold, Snub and Bebe running around Turkey and playing with camels. Silliness.
- DirectorHal RoachStars'Snub' PollardMarie MosquiniEddie BolandA burlesque boxing contest is featured, and the principal bout occurs between the "Champ" and the "Chump," Snub appearing as the latter.
- DirectorAlfred J. GouldingStarsHarold LloydBebe Daniels'Snub' PollardBoy trying to impress girl, gets chased by her father and the police right into an ongoing marathon.
- DirectorScott PembrokeStarsAlyce ArdellGale HenryElla McKenzieThis subject opens in a girls' boarding school with scenes of the girls doing the Charleston. Gale Henry is the school mistress and throughout the picture she is kept busy disciplining the pupils. She also protects them from male admirers, and animals which have escaped from the zoo. To add an atmosphere of terror to the comedy, lightning and heavy storm scenes are flashed every few feet throughout the entire picture.Silent Comedy Watch Party #46. A crazy amount of action. Silly gags. Just not really my type
of film. - DirectorEdward F. ClineBuster KeatonStarsBuster KeatonBartine BurkettCharles DoretyA drifter at an amusement park finds himself both the bodyguard and hit man of a man targeted by a criminal gang.