Deal Me In

Leon and his partner are trying to jolly some businessmen into signing a contract by losing to them at poker. Meanwhile, Errol has grounded his daughter. To get even, she rings in a deck composed of kings and aces into the game in this very funny RKO short.

RKO's shorts program had begun soon after the studio had formed, and would only end in the late 1950s; Leon's series itself would end later in the year this was produced, with Leon's death from a heart attack. The modern viewer can see the same sort of skit that survives in television situation comedies, but here carried by old-time stage comedians.

Leon and Harry are trying to pull off a big deal with a prospective client. Leon's brainstorm is to butter up the guy by inviting him to a poker game and then being sure that he wins...so he's in a good mood and signs the contract. However, after the game, the client wants to play again before he decides to sign. In the meantime, Leon's daughter is mad at him and she decides to sabotage this next poker night.

Some of this is very funny...some (such as the obviously fake pigeon who stole the man's toupee) is limp and overdone. On balance, it's enjoyable and worth your time. And, if you care, this is one of Leon Errol's last films before he died of a heart attack at age 70.