Larry & Hardy

When reviewing great comedy duos, sooner or later, you're bound to think of Laurel & Hardy. Yet, the partnership could have been very different. In 1918, Stan Laurel began working with comedy star Larry Semon. Don't remember him ? I'm not surprised. At the time, he was Vitagraph studio's star and was producing, writing directing and starring in his films.

Larry Semon

His success grew throughout the following years, but the partnership with Stan Laurel did not materialize. Then came Oliver Hardy. He played many supporting roles in Larry Semon's two reelers. He even played the woodsman (and other roles) in Semon's 1925 feature The Wizard of Oz. The parts never were more important though, and it is likely that Semon wouldn't share his fame. Anyway, you know who ended up teaming with whom, right? Unfortunately, by 1923, Larry's star was beginning to fade and he died mysteriously in 1928 forgotten and penniless. A public amnesia that endures today.

Festival Films (remember my article about their awesome previous release?) is offering you a chance to see a Larry Semon film from 1922, at the peak of his success, in which Oliver Hardy plays the neighbor. It is called Golf and, naturally enough is part of their "Golf Mania!" compilation. Rest assured that you will enjoy it even if, like me, you know next to nothing about golf.

The film is pure slapstick and features everything you may expect from it: broken vases by the ton, people falling all over the place and even the obligatory chase finale. Festival Films presents the film with added sound effects by Derek J. Myers which is a very nice idea.

Other highlights of the DVD include several never-before-seen shorts with stars like Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Phil Harris (Baloo from The Jungle Book), etc. enjoying their favorite sport and sports-reels like Follow Thru where golf pros teach you a thing or two about playing... and even cheating.

Sore looser W.C. Fields

Film fans will enjoy The Golf specialist, with W.C. Fields at his usual hilarious self. I love his way with kids in movies. As much as he hated them, he apparently couldn't get away from them as he has a whole scene with a winy little girl in this one too!

Jean Harlow on the golf course

I'll let you know about another Festival Films release soon. You may order from them or from amazon.
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That's all for today folks!