WCFIELDS

Billie Ritchie is a blast in this early silent comedy. He shows great acrobatic skills and able to take a pratfall with the best of them. It is also notable that we get to see a VERY young and fit Eugene Palette. He is the one chasing Billie with that mysterious envelope. Which turns out to be full of cash. The usual marital complications are also fun to watch. His kids especially the two with the thick black eyebrows are a scream. The film isn't a world beater. But it's a pleasant way to pass a few minutes of time. Whether Chaplin copied him or vice versa. It doesn't affect the entertainment value of this film. Give the film a try. I think you'll like it.

I rated this a 9 out of 10. Because this film is just as funny or maybe just a little bit shy of the hilarity you find in "Mighty Like A Moose." Charley Chase is screamingly funny as he once again portrays dual roles in this film. Vivien Oakland is delightful as she is once again Charley's wife, whom he decides to teach a lesson. Mildred Harris ( a former Mrs. Charlie Chaplin ) plays the neighbor across the hall, who is a man chasing Flapper Good Time Girl. An honorable mention must be given to veteran supporting actor Syd Crossley as the Chase's butler. This delightful farce was directed by Leo McCarey, who directed so many wonderful comedies both silent and sound. This film is definitely worth seeking out if you are a Charley Chase fan and also if you want to introduce someone to the comedy genius of the sadly under appreciated Charley Chase.

This cartoon is included in the "Flying Down To Rio" DVD. It is a nice little cartoon with good music and gags. A bonus is spotting the celebrity caricatures. I rated this an 8 out of 10. It is also a little naughty with one of the girls in silhouette and you can see she is quite anatomically correct. :-) All of the celebrities utter a quote that is more or less instantly identifiable with them. It would be great if more of the Harmon - Ising cartoons were available as an individual DVD. They contained some memorable early animation characters as well as some very snappy musical arrangements. This cartoon is definitely worth watching. I highly recommend it.