Odor in the Court

Based on their three dozen short films of various lengths for RKO, Bobby Clark (he of the greasepaint eyeglasses, flourishing a cigar, was the center of the act. Paul McCullough, dressed like superannuated fraternity nitwit, took the role of an overgrown puppy happily following alpha dog Clark through various rambunctious adventures that justified their billing; "Never a help; always a hindrance." Clark & McCullough had been a team since boyhood-in circus, burlesque, vaudeville and Broadway revues and musical comedies. According to some who saw the partners before they won the big-time, claimed Paul McCullough originally was the duo's lead. Both circus trained, Clark especially manifested physical agility in their films. Gradually Paul slipped out of the spotlight into a supporting role that gave Bobby someone to pitch to who could catch. Odor in the Court sounds like a Three Stooges film, but plays more madcap surreal--like Olsen & Johnson. Bobby Clark and Groucho Marx were considered to portray similar comic sociopaths. (Which came first: Bobby Clark's use of greasepaint eyeglasses or Groucho's greasepaint moustache? Clark & McCullough are several rungs above the Stooges, and several floors above the ill-matched and earthbound Wheeler & Woolsey. Odor in the Court (and Alibi Bye Bye) make fast-moving, zany introductions to Clark & McCullough.

I know a lot about old-time comedy and have probably reviewed more early comedies than just about anyone on IMDb--or at least close to it. Yet, when I found this short starring Clark and McCullough, I have to admit that I had never heard of these guys--even though they made about a couple dozen films together. And, after seeing "Odor in the Court", I think I understand why. The biggest thing I noticed is that the act seemed very rough--and very much like a vaudeville or burlesque-style routine. Sophisticated, it ain't, but it worked fine 80-100 years ago. But today, this style of comedy is definite NOT in vogue. The closest way to describe them is that they are a less funny or polished version of Olsen and Johnson---provided you know who Olsen and Johnson are! Or, put another way, they are like a less funny version of Wheeler and Woolsey---again, provided you know who they are! This final comparison is pretty appropriate, as Woolsey and Clark played essentially the same "type"--a fast-talking guy with glasses, a goofy look and silly clothes.

This film finds the team as brand new lawyers willing to do anything to get a case. Their motto is "no case is too small, no fee is too high"! In many ways, the film reminds me of Wheeler & Woolsey film "Peach-O-Reno " (one of the team's funniest) in that they often create cases through the most dishonest means. The court scene is pretty silly--with lots of obnoxious antics and word-play--mostly the type that little kids would like and older folks would just groan at repeatedly. The only thing I liked, and I am stretching here, is the presence of a marching band in and outside the courtroom--it added a nice goofy touch to the proceedings. Otherwise, I can DEFINITELY wait to see another one of their films! Poor all around.

Next to Clark And McCullough the Three Stooges look like a white shoe Wall Street law firm. In this short subject the boys are a pair of cut rate lawyers who generations ahead of their time advertise their services by any means necessary. What the Bar Association must think?

Prize fighter Tom Kennedy who is desperate to stop his wife and her lawyer from cleaning him out hires Bobby and Paul as his divorce attorney. They do so in their own chaotic way, a cross between the Marx Brothers and the Three Stooges. Paul McCullough as second banana is definitely second chair on this case.

Average comedy that still generates a few laughs. With these two representing him Kennedy is lucky he didn't wind up marrying the rabbi.