A Wrestler's Bride

Harry Gribbon made quite a few comedy shorts during the 1930s. I've seen many of them and have been consistently surprised how unfunny they are. Perhaps his sort of humor just isn't very effective in the 21st century.

In "A Wrestler's Bride", Harry plays a pro wrestler, 'Scissors' Jackson. In the upcoming title fight, he's supposed to be the winner, as wrestling matches are often fixed. But at the last minute, the deal is off...and by now Scissors has bet everything he has that he'll win...something that now seems very remote to say the least.

As I watched this film, I just never laughed or came close to laughing. Not a terrible short...but certainly NOT a funny one.

Eddie Gribbon and Joyce Compton are in love, which is funny enough on its own terms. When he becomes World Champion Wrestler, he promises her, they'll be married and he'll shower her with jewelry. First, though, he has to defeat the current champion, Hans Steinke. That's no problem; the fix is in. It's in, until Steinke's manager remembers he's already promised Steinke will throw his match the following week. Since he's no liar, he calls Gribbon, who forgets to tell his manager and everyone, who have already hocked everything they have to lay bets on Gribbon at 10:1.

Like many of the Mack Sennett comedies of this period, it's pretty rough in terms of production, but as always, Miss Compton gives a sterling performance as a cheap dumb bell.