Slapstick Encyclopedia Disc 5 DVD

Disc 5 contains the programs “The Race is On” and “Tons of Fun: The Anarchic Fringe.”

Water Wagons (1925) with Andy Clyde and Sid Smith. Andy is an inventor of a new aerodynamic racing boat. From a 35mm reconstruction print comprised of a very-good 35mm print and a very-good 16mm print. Accompanied by Fotoplayer music by Robert Israel.

Out Bound (1924) with Sid Smith and Cliff Bowes. Dandy Sid takes Cliff’s job as a delivery truck driver. From an excellent 35mm print. Accompanied by pipe organ music by Ken Rosen.

Chasing Choo-Choos (1927) with Monty Banks. Monty foils a scheme to bilk an heiress and ends up rescuing her from a runaway train. A condensed version of the feature comedy Play Safe (1927). From a combination of good to very-good, but jittery, 35mm and 16mm prints. Accompanied by synthesizer music by Eric Beheim.

Danger Ahead (1926) with Jack Cooper. In this melodramatic parody, the villain and his henchmen are after the contents of a safe. From an excellent sepia-toned 35mm print. Accompanied by synthesizer music by Eric Beheim.

The Tons of Fun program begins with Yukon Jake (1924) starring Ben Turpin. A small Western town sheriff (Turpin) tracks outlaw Yukon Jake (Kalla Pasha) to the frozen north. From a very-good to excellent, but worn, 35mm print. Accompanied by music by Robert Israel, performed by an ensemble.

Three of a Kind (1926) with Frank Alexander, Hillard ‘Fat’ Karr and ‘Kewpie’ Ross (“A Ton of Fun”). The Barrel Brothers entertain at a restaurant. From a very-good 16mm print. Accompanied by synthesizer music by Brian Benison.

Dry and Thirsty (1920) with Billy Bletcher. Billy tries to get a drink in Prohibition times. From a very-good 35mm print. Accompanied by music by Robert Israel, performed by an ensemble.

Family Life (1924) with Mark Jones and Sunshine Hart. The new neighbors make a mess of a duplex home and capture Gypsy Joe and his gang. From a very-good sepia-toned 35mm print. Accompanied by synthesizer music score by Brian Benison.

Now You Tell One (1926) with Charley Bowers. A society of liars get together to compete against one another, but won’t believe Charley’s story. From an excellent 35mm print, with new intertitles and no main titles. Accompanied by music by Robert Israel, performed by an ensemble.

The Grocery Clerk (1920) with Larry Semon and Frank Alexander. Larry is a grocery clerk who is followed by trouble. From an excellent 35mm print. Accompanied by synthesizer music by Brian Benison.