The Old War-Horse

While the trivia about this film on IMDb says that the film was released as a two-reeler (though originally planned as a one-reeler), the version I just watched was only a little more than 10 minutes long--the length of a one-reeler. Perhaps there is a longer version out there somewhere, but I had no access to this.

This is a film starring Snub Pollard and James Parrot (billed here as Paul Parrot). While Parrot is not a well-known name, he is SUPER-important at Hal Roach Studios where this film was made. Not only was he the younger brother of famous silent and sound comedy star Charley Chase (whose real name was Charles Parrot), but James starred in quite a few comedies himself and directed many of Laurel and Hardy's most famous films (such as THE MUSIC BOX and PARDON US). And, you'll also probably notice that James looks almost exactly like Charley!

The film itself begins as the Civil War erupts. The town that the two guys live in is pretty weird--as there is both a Union AND Confederate recruiting station across the street from each other. And, the two friends who live next door to each other have fathers that truly hate each other because of the war. Whenever they are shown on camera, they are strangling each other!! But, despite being on different sides, 'Paul' and Snub are the best of friends. In general, there are only a modest number of laughs and this isn't a great film, but instead a very interesting curio for fans of silent comedy. If you are new to the genre, try some other films first, such as most of Keaton's, Lloyd's or Snub Pollard's IT'S A GIFT.