Slapstick Encyclopedia Disc 4 DVD

Disc 4 contains the programs “Hal Roach: The Lot of Fun” and “Chaplin and the Music Hall Tradition.”

Laurel and Hardy Laugh Toons (1978) is a modern short subject that includes portions of the Laurel and Hardy silents Angora Love (1929), You’re Darn Tootin’ (1928), Liberty (1929) and The Battle of the Century (1927). From a 35mm print, minus intertitles, comprised of very-good to excellent 35mm elements. Accompanied by an orchestral music score from the original Laugh Toons soundtrack.

Dogs of War! (1923) with Hal Roach’s Rascals (Our Gang). The gang defends Kelly’s tomato patch against invasion by other neighborhood kids. The buildings and grounds of the Hal Roach Studios (“West Coast Studios”) are clearly seen in the film. From a very-good 35mm print. Accompanied by synthesizer music by Brian Benison.

Fluttering Hearts (1927) with Charley Chase and Oliver Hardy. Charley helps his girl’s rich father retrieve a compromizing letter from a blackmailing thug (Hardy). From a very-good, slightly sepia-toned, 35mm print that is missing its main titles. Accompanied by synthesizer music by Brian Benison.

It’s a Gift (1923) with Snub Pollard. Snub is an inventor who develops a gasoline substitute. From an excellent though slightly contrasty 35mm print. Accompanied by canned orchestral music.

The Chaplin program begins with A Night in the Show (1915) with Charles Chaplin. Chaplin plays Mr. Pest and Mr. Rowdy in this elaboration of his famous drunken vaudeville routine. From a very-good 35mm print that is missing its main titles. Identical presentation to the film’s appearance on the Essanay films DVD. Accompanied by music by Robert Israel, performed by an ensemble.

[A Rare Chaplin Snippet] (1916) with Charles Chaplin. Chaplin conducts a small band in this improvised film that has been tentatively identified as shot during a benefit appearance at New York’s Hippodrome Theatre in February 1916. From a good 16mm print. Accompanied by music by Robert Israel, performed by an ensemble.

The Rink (1916) with Charles Chaplin. Charlie is a waiter that disrupts a skating rink and wins the girl from Mr. Stout (Eric Campbell). From an excellent 35mm print. The window boxed presentation is identical to that available on the Mutual series DVD. Accompanied by synthesizer music by Michael Mortilla.

Live Wires and Love Sparks (1916) with Billie Ritchie. Bill (Ritchie) is a lay-about who avoids the bill collectors and attempts to woo a neighbor’s wife at a masked ball. From a good to very-good 35mm print, with new intertitles, that is missing its main title and ending footage. Accompanied by synthesizer music by Brian Benison.

He’s in Again (1918) with Billy West and Oliver Hardy. A penniless tramp (West) works off his restaurant bill. The straw-hatted wolf/boxer is ex-Chaplin cast member Leo White. From an excellent 35mm print. Accompanied by synthesizer music by Brian Benison.

Pie-Eyed (1925) with Stan Laurel. A drunk (Laurel) disrupts a dinner club restaurant, then ends up in the wrong apartment. From a 35mm reconstruction print with new intertitles and that is without the main title, that is comprised of a number of very-good to excellent 35mm and 16mm elements. Accompanied by music by Robert Israel, performed by an ensemble.

Only Me (1929) with Lupino Lane. A drunk (Lane) attends a vaudeville show. Lane plays nearly all the roles. From an excellent 35mm print, with new intertitles, that is missing its main titles. Accompanied by synthesizer music by Brian Benison.