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.
