Some Paramount Sound Comedies

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Frank Flood
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Some Paramount Sound Comedies

Postby Frank Flood » Thu Nov 05, 2009 4:06 pm

To complement Steve Massa's list from a couple of weeks back of silent Christie comedies released by Paramount in the late 1920's, here is a listing of some of the sound comedies released by Paramount in the early sound era. These sound comedies were produced by Christie Film Company, Phil Ryan and Arvid Gillstrom for Paramount between 1928 and 1934. These were all produced in California, and the list does not include the many comedies produced at the Paramount East Coast Studio in Astoria, Long Island, or the Mack Sennett comedies released in 1932-33. Clearly this list is a work in process, and benefits enormously from a number of additions made by Mr. Massa. Any more additions, corrections and comments are welcome.

CHRISTIE TALKING PLAYS

1928-29 season

The Melancholy Dame. Cast, Edward Thompson, Evelyn Preer, Spencer Williams, Roberta Hyson, Charles Olden, Webster Hill; Director, Arvid E. Gillstrom; Assistant director, Art Black; Story, Octavus Roy Cohen; Camera, Gus Peterson, Alex Phillips (release date 2/2/29; © 3/5/29).

A Bird In The Hand. Cast, Lois Wilson, Jason Robards, Roy D’Arcy, Dot Farley; Director, Leslie Pearce; Assistant director, Art Black; Story, E. Percy Heath; Camera, Gus Peterson, _____ Phillips (2/16/29; © 2/15/29).

Post Mortems. Cast, Raymond Griffith, Tom Kennedy, Mabel Forrest, Robert Emmett O'Connor; Director, Leslie Pearce; Story, Charles Devine (3/2/29; © 3/1/29).

Music Hath Harms. Cast, Spencer Williams, Roberta Hyson, Harry Tracy, Nathan Curry, Leon Hereford, Curtis Mosby's Dixieland Blue Blowers, Harry Porter; Director, Walter Graham; Story, Octavus Roy Cohen; Adaptation, Alfred A. Cohn; Art director, Charles Cadwallader; Camera, Edgar Lyons, Gus Peterson, Alex Phillips; Sound, Helmar Bergman, Lodge Cunningham, C. Dodge Dunning; Editor, Arthur Huffsmith (3/16/29; © 3/15/29).

Meet The Missus. Cast, James Gleason, Lucille Webster Gleason, Helen Mehrmann, Eddy Waller, Doris Brownlee, Maurice Black; Director, Arvid E. Gillstrom; Story, Kenyon Nicholson; Adaptation, Alfred A. Cohn (_____/29; © 3/29/29).

Jed’s Vacation. Cast, Charles Grapewin, Anna Chance, William Irving, Aileen Carlyle; Director, Raymond Kane; Story, Charles Grapewin (from his stage sketch) (4/13/29; © same).

The Framing Of The Shrew. Cast, Evelyn Preer, Edward Thompson, Charles Olden, Spencer Williams, Roberta Hyson; Director, Arvid E. Gillstrom; Story, Octavus Roy Cohen; Camera, Edgar Lyons, Gus Peterson, Alex Phillips; Sound, Helmar Bergman, Lodge Cunningham; Editor, Sidney J. Walsh (4/27/29; © 4/27/29).

When Caesar Ran A Newspaper. Cast, Raymond Hatton, Sam Hardy, Betty Lorraine, Maude Truax, Carl Stockdale; Director, Walter Graham; Story, Waldemar Young, William Jacobs (5/11/29; © 5/10/29).

Hot Lemonade. Cast, Louise Fazenda, Johnny Arthur, Walter Hiers, Jimmie Harrison, Tom Dempsey; Director, Arvid E. Gillstrom; Story, Florence Ryerson, Colin Clements; Adaptation, Alfred A. Cohn (5/25/29; © 5/24/29).

Oft In The Silly Night. Cast, Edward Thompson, Roberta Hyson, Arthur Ray, Spencer Williams, Charles Olden, Lawrence Criner; Director, Arvid E. Gillstrom; Story, Octavus Roy Cohen; Camera, Gus Peterson, Alex Phillips, William Wheeler; Sound, Helmar Bergman, C. Dodge Dunning; Editor, (6/8/29; © 6/10/29).

Dear Vivien. Cast, Raymond Hatton, Sam Hardy, Lorraine Eddy, Mabel Forrest, Stella Adams; Director, Raymond Kane [Standard Casting Directory credits Walter Graham] Story, Waldemar Young; Adaptation, Alfred A. Cohn (6/15/29, 6/23??? ; © 6/14/29).

Her Husband's Women. Cast, Lois Wilson, Harrison Ford, Kathleen Williams, Monroe Salisbury, Wanda Hawley, Nina Romano; Director, Leslie Pearce; Story, Florence Ryerson; Adaptation, Alfred A. Cohn (6/29/29; © 6/28/29).

A Hint To Brides. Cast, Johnny Arthur, Ruth Taylor, Margie Martell, Lawrence Leslie; Director, A. Leslie Pearce; Story, Mann Page, Albert Cowles (7/13/29; © 7/11/29).

1929-30 season

The Sleeping Porch. Cast, Raymond Griffith, Barbara Leonard, John Litel, David Collins; Director, A. Leslie Pearce; Story, Mann Page, Albert Cowles (9/7/29; © same).

Ladies Choice. Cast, Charles Grapewin, Anna Chance, Stella Adams, Eddie Barry, Tom Dempsey; Director, Neal Burns (9/14/29; © 9/13/29). Working title: "Go Easy, Mabel."

The Lady Fare. Cast, Leroy Broomfield, Roberta Hyson, Evelyn Preer, Edward Thompson, Spencer Williams, Leon Hereford's Cotton Club Orchestra, Rutledge and Taylor [Junie Rutledge, Johnny Taylor]; Director, William Watson; Story, Octavus Roy Cohen (9/28/29; © 9/27/29).

Faro Nell, Or In Old California. Cast, Louise Fazenda, Jack Luden, Frank Rice, Harry Woods, Charles Mack, Ben Corbett, Art Mix; Director, William Watson; Story, Willis Steell (10/5/29; © 10/4/29).

Adam's Eve. Cast, Johnny Arthur, Frances Lee, Adrienne Dore, Geneva Mitchell; Director, A. Leslie Pearce; Story, Florence Ryerson, Colin Clements (10/12/29; © 10/14/29).

He Did His Best. Cast, Taylor Holmes, Carmel Myers, Harry Woods, Kathryn McGuire; Director, Leslie Pearce; Story, Wilson Collison; Adaptation, Alfred A. Cohn; Art director, Charles Cadwallader; Camera, Gus Peterson, William Wheeler; Sound, Helmar W. Bergman, Robert Harper, Dodge Dunning; Editor, Sid Walsh (10/16/29; © 10/21/29).

The Fatal Forceps. Cast, Ford Sterling, Bert Roach, Will King, Natalie Joyce; Director, William Watson; Story, C.L.V. Duffy (11/2/29; © 11/1/29).

The Dancing Gob. Cast, Buster West, John West, Walter Long, Silas Wilcox; Director, William Watson; Story, Vernon Smith (11/9/29; © 11/8/29).

Dangerous Females. Cast, Marie Dressler, Polly Moran, Frank Rice, Arthur Millett, Tom Dempsey; Director, William Watson; Story, Florence Ryerson, Colin Clements (11/16/29; © same).

Brown Gravy. Cast, Roberta Hyson, Deacon McDaniels, Georgia Jubilee Singers; Director, William Watson; Dialogue, adaptation, Kendall Evans; Story, Octavus Roy Cohen (11/23/29; © 11/22/29 as “Brown Gravey”).

He Loved The Ladies. Cast, Taylor Holmes, Helene Millard, Albert Conti; Director, Leslie Pearce; Story, Forbes Dawson (11/30/29; © 11/29/29).

Weak But Willing. Cast, Will King, Dot Farley, Billy Bevan, Jean Harlow, Otto Fries; Director, William Watson; Story, Will King (12/14/29; © 12/13/29).

Marching To Georgie. Cast, Buster West, John West, Frances Lee, Fay Holderness; Director, William Watson (12/21/29; © same).

That Red-Headed Hussy. Cast, Charles Grapewin, Anna Chance, James Ford, Eleanor Flynn; Director, Alf Goulding; Story, Raymond Leslie Goldman; Adaptation, Charles Grapewin (12/28/29; © 12/27/29).

For Love Or Money. Cast, Lois Wilson, Bert Roach, Ernest Wood, Elinor Vanderveer, Tom Dempsey; Director, Leslie Pearce; Story, Forbes Dawson (1/4/30; © 1/3/30). Working title: "The Way of All Horses."

So This Is Paris Green. Cast, Louise Fazenda, Bert Roach, George Stone, Yola D’Avril, Eddie Barry; Director, William Watson; Story, Kenyon Nicholson (from his 1924 one-act play, part of Garden Varieties); Adaptation, Colin Clements (1/18/30; © 1/16/30).

Let Me Explain. Cast, Taylor Holmes, Vivien Oakland, John T. Murray; Director, A. Leslie Pearce; Story, Kenyon Nicholson (based on the sketch The Anonymous Letter); Cameraman, William Wheeler (1/25/30; © same).

The Duke of Dublin. Cast, Charles Murray, Mary Gordon, Monte Carter, Carol Vines; Director, William Watson; Story, Vernon Smith (2/1/30; © 1/30/30).

Don’t Believe It. Cast, James Gleason, Lucille Webster Gleason, John Litel, Bert Young, Marilyn Morgan [Marion Marsh]; Director, William Watson; Story, James Gleason (based on his stage sketch) (2/8/30; © 2/7/30).

Scrappily Married. Cast, Johnny Arthur, Bert Roach, Ruth Taylor, Mabel Forrest; Director, Leslie Pearce; Story, Wilson Collison (2/22/30; © 2/23/30).

The Bearded Lady. Cast, Louise Fazenda, George E. Stone, Charles Grapewin, Natalie Joyce, Carol Wines, Frank Rice; Director, William Watson; Story, Addison Burkhart (3/1/30; © 3/3/30).

Down With Husbands. Cast, Johnny Arthur, Bert Roach, Frances Lee, Fay Holderness, Frank Rice; Director, William Watson; Story, Howard Green, Milton Hocky (based on the sketch Wives on Strike) (3/8/30; © 3/13/30).

The Stronger Sex. Cast, Carmel Myers, Bert Roach, Frances Lee, George E. Stone; Director, William Watson; Story, Florence Ryerson, Colin Clements; Art director, Charles Cadwallader (3/15/30; © 3/20/30).

His Honor The Mayor. Cast, Charles Murray, Mary Gordon, Eddie Baker, Charles Mack, Carol Wines, Stella Adams; Director, William Watson; Story, Jack Preston; Art director, Charles Cadwallader; Camera, Gus Peterson, William Wheeler; Editor, Sid Walsh (3/22/30; © same). Working title: "Politics."


CHESTER CONKLIN COMEDIES

1930-31 season

Cleaning Up. Cast, Chester Conklin, Mack Swain, Gibson Gowland, Estelle Bradley; Supervisor, Phil L. Ryan; Production manager, Ray Heinz; Director, Harry Edwards; Story, Fred Palmer, George Cleethorpe; Camera, Gus Peterson, Jack Breamer; Sound, R.S. Clayton, Ted Murray; Editor, Arthur Huffsmith (9/27/30; © 10/3/30). Working title: "Wham."

Sky Scrappers. Cast, Chester Conklin, Eddie Baker, Blanche Payson, Doris Hills; Supervisor, Phil L. Ryan; Director, Arvid Gillstrom; Story, Frank C. Griffin, George Cleethorpe (12/6/30; © 12/5/30).

The Studio Sap. Cast, Chester Conklin, Leo White, Harry Bowen, Stanley Blystone; Supervisor, Phil L. Ryan; Director, Frank C. Griffin; Story, Frank C. Griffin, George Cleethorpe (2/28/31, 9/28/31???; © 2/27/31).

Taxi. Cast, Chester Conklin, Willie Best, Jr., Alphonse Martell, Rene Border, C.A. Bachman, Norman Feusier; Supervisor, Phil L. Ryan; Director, Frank C. Griffin; Story, Hampton Del Ruth, Frank C. Griffin (4/11/31; © 4/10/31).

Gents of Leisure. Cast, Chester Conklin, Vernon Dent, Bud Jamison, Ethel Sykes, Stanley Blystone, Bobby Dunn; Supervisor, Phil L. Ryan; Director, Del Lord; Story, Clarence Hennecke; Production Manager, Curtis L. Mick; Sound, R.S. Clayton, H.R. Hobson; Camera, Gus Peterson; Editor, Earl Neville (5/9/31; © 5/9/31).

13th Alarm. Cast, Chester Conklin, Vernon Dent, Broderick O'Farrell, Stella Adams; Supervisor, Phil L. Ryan; Director, Del Lord; Story, Clarence Hennecke; Editor, Earl Neville (7/4/31; © 7/3/31).


BING CROSBY COMEDIES

1933-34 season

Please. Cast, Bing Crosby, Vernon Dent, Mary Kornman, Dick Elliott, Dicky Kilby, Bert Young; Producer, director, Arvid E. Gillstrom; Story, Dean Ward, Vernon Dent; Camera, Gus Peterson; Sound, William Fox; Editor, Jack English; Release No. BB3-2 (12/15/33; © 12/16/33).

Just an Echo. Cast, Bing Crosby, Vernon Dent, Mary Kornman, Alice Ardell, Carl Harbaugh, Bert Young; Producer, director, Arvid E. Gillstrom; Story, Dean Ward, Vernon Dent; Camera, Gus Peterson; Sound, William Fox; Editor, Jack English; Release No. BB3-3 (1/19/34; © 1/17/34).


LEON ERROL COMEDIES

1933-34 season

Three Little Swigs. Cast, Leon Errol, Vernon Dent, Lita Chevret, Ruth Clifford, Billy Engle, Fay Pierre, William Irving, Georgia O’Dell; Producer, director, Arvid E. Gillstrom; Story, Dean Ward, Vernon Dent; Camera, Gus Peterson; Sound, William Fox; Editor, Jack English; Release No. BB3-1 (11/10/33; © same).

No More Bridge. Cast, Leon Errol, Dorothy Granger, Cyril Ring, Ethel Sykes, Francis McDonald, William Irving, Bert Young, Cupid Ainsworth; Producer, director, Arvid E. Gillstrom; Story, Joseph Santley, Harry Clarke; Adaptation, Dean Ward, Vernon Dent; Camera, Gus Peterson; Sound, William Fox; Editor, Jack English; Release No. BB3-4 (3/16/34; © 3/14/34).


HARRY LANGDON COMEDIES

1933-34 season

Marriage Humor. Cast, Harry Langdon, Vernon Dent, Nancy Dover, Ethel Sykes, Eddie Schubert; Producer, Arvid E. Gillstrom; Director, Harry Edwards; Story, Dean Ward, Vernon Dent; Camera, Gus Peterson; Music, Lee Zahler; Sound, William Fox; Editor, Jack English; Release No. LL3-1 (8/18/33; © 8/17/33).

On Ice. Cast, Harry Langdon, Vernon Dent, Eleanor Hunt, Ethel Sykes, Kewpie Morgan, Ruth Clifford, Diana Seaby, William Irving, Glen Cavender; Producer, director, Arvid E. Gillstrom; Story, Dean Ward, Vernon Dent; Camera, Gus Peterson; Sound, William Fox; Editor, Jack English; Release No. QQ3-2 (10/6/33; © 10/4/33).

A Roaming Romeo. Cast, Harry Langdon, Vernon Dent, Nell O’Day, Jack Henderson, Les Goodwin, Richard Cramer; Producer, director, Arvid E. Gillstrom; Story, Dean Ward, Vernon Dent; Camera, Gus Peterson; Sound, William Fox; Editor, Jack English; Release No. LL3-2 (12/29/33; © 12/25/33).

A Circus Hoodoo. Cast, Harry Langdon, Vernon Dent, Eleanor Hunt, Matthew Betz, Diana Seaby, James C. Morton, Tom Kennedy, William Irving, Joe Bordeaux; Producer, director, Arvid E. Gillstrom; Story, Dean Ward, Vernon Dent; Camera, Gus Peterson; Sound, William Fox; Editor, Jack English; Release No. LL3-4 (2/16/34; © 2/14/34).

Petting Preferred. Cast, Harry Langdon, Vernon Dent, Dorothy Granger, Eddie Baker, Alice Ardell, Billy Engle, William Irving; Producer, director, Arvid E. Gillstrom; Story, Jack Townley; Adaptation, Dean Ward, Vernon Dent; Camera, Gus Peterson; Sound, William Fox; Editor, Jack English; Release No. LL3-5 (4/27/34; © 4/26/34).


EUGENE PALLETTE-WALTER CATLETT COMEDIES

1933-34 season

Meet the Champ. Cast, Eugene Pallette, Walter Catlett, Dorothy Granger, Walter Brennan, Dick Gilbert; Producer, Phil L. Ryan; Director, Del Lord; Story, adaptation, Luther Reed, Ralph Cedar, Scott E. Cleethorpe; Production manager, Willard Reineck; Sound, L. E. Clark; Camera, Ernest W. Depew; Editor, Maurice Wright; Release no. QQ3-1 (8/4/33; © 8/2/33).

Sailors Beware. Cast, Eugene Pallette, Walter Catlett, Dorothy Granger, Matt McHugh, Dick Gilbert, Walter Brennan, Harry Bowen; Producer, Phil L. Ryan; Director, Del Lord; Story, adaptation, Ralph Cedar, Scott E. Cleethorpe; Production manager, Willard Reineck; Sound, Ledge Cunningham; Camera, John Boyle; Editor, Francis Lyon; Release no. BB3-1 (9/15/33; © 9/18/33).

One Awful Night. Cast, Eugene Pallette, Walter Catlett, Lee Moran, Dick Gilbert, Frank Rice; Producer, Phil L. Ryan; Director, Del Lord; Story, adaptation, Marui Grashin, Scott E. Cleethorpe; Production manager, Willard Reineck; Sound, W.C. Smith; Camera, Arthur Todd; Editor, Francis Lyon; Release no. LL3-2 (10/20/33; © 10/17/33).

The New Dealers. Cast, Eugene Pallette, Walter Catlett, Ruth Hiatt, James C. Morton, Charlie Hall, Ernie Adams, Dick Gilbert; Producer, Phil L. Ryan; Director, Del Lord; Story, Harry McCoy; Adaptation, James Mulhauser, Scott E. Cleethorpe; Music supervision, Abe Meyer; Production manager, Willard Reineck; Sound, W.C. Smith; Camera, Hap DePew; Editor, Francis Lyon; Release no. QQ3-4 (4/6/34; © 4/5/34).

News Hounds. Cast, Eugene Pallette, Walter Catlett, Ruth Hiatt, Edward Keane, Louise Carver; Producer, Phil L. Ryan; Director, Del Lord; Story, adaptation, James Mulhauser, Scott E. Cleethorpe; Music supervision, Abe Meyer; Production manager, Willard Reineck; Sound, Wallace Enyeart; Camera, Hap DePew; Editor, Francis Lyon Release no. QQ3-5 (6/1/34; © 5/31/34).

Making the Rounds. Cast, Eugene Pallette, Walter Catlett, Addie McPhail, Ruth Clifford, Jean Lacy, Jenifer Gray, Billy Engle, Dorothy Vernon, Dick Gilbert, Tom Dempsey, Leo White; Producer, Phil L. Ryan; Director, Del Lord; Story, adaptation, James Mulhauser, Scott E. Cleethorpe; Music supervision, Abe Meyer; Production manager, Willard Reineck; Sound, W.C. Smith; Camera, Hap DePew; Editor, Francis Lyon; Release no. QQ3-6 (7/6/34; © 6/6/34).


PHIL L. RYAN-DEL LORD COMEDIES

1933-34 season

Ducky Dear. Cast, Sidney Toler, Mae Busch, Harry Myers, Wade Boteler, Carol Tevis, Arthur Hoyt, Heinie Conklin; Director, Del Lord; Story, adaptation, Ralph Cedar, Scott E. Cleethorpe; Editor, Maurice Wright; Release No. DD3-1 (9/1/33; © same). Working title: "Too Many Wives."

Cold Turkey. Cast, Joseph Cawthorne, Charlotte Mineau, Blanche Payson, Will Stanton, Joe Young, Jimmie Harrison, Luis Alberni, Stanley Blystone; Director, Del Lord; Story, Mauri Grashin, Lloyd French; Adaptation, Scott E. Cleethorpe; Editor, Francis Lyon; Release No. DD3-2 (12/1/33; © same).

The Old Bugler. Cast, Chic Sale, Delmar Watson, Eva McKenzie, Russ Powell, William McCall, Ford West, James Mason, Gus Leonard; Producer, Phil L. Ryan; Producer, Phil L. Ryan; Director, Del Lord; Story, adaptation, James Mulhauser, Scott E. Cleethorpe; Editor, Francis Lyon; Release No. DD3-3 (1/5/34; © 1/4/34).

Gold Nuggets. Cast, Walter Catlett, Paul Hurst, Faye Pierre, William McCall; Producer, Phil L. Ryan; Director, Del Lord; Story, adaptation, Harry McCoy, Scott E. Cleethorpe; Music, Abe Meyer; Editor, Francis Lyon; Release No. DD3-4 (2/2/34; © same).

Up and Down. Cast, Franklin Pangborn, Mary Kornman, Edgar Norton, Cornelius Keefe, Eddie Baker, Leo White, Malcolm Waite, Joseph “Baldy” Belmont; Producer, Phil L. Ryan; Director, Del Lord; Story, adaptation, James Mulhauser, Scott E. Cleethorpe; Music, Abe Meyer; Editor, Francis Lyon; Release No. DD3-5 (3/2/34; © 2/28/34).

Oil's Well. Cast, Chic Sale, Delmar Watson, Joseph W. Girard, Bob McKenzie, Carol DeMain, Pat Harmon, Joe Bordeaux, William McCall, Tom Dempsey, Gus Leonard, James Donnelly, Mary Gordon; Director, Del Lord; Story, Mauri Grashin; Adaptation, James Mulhauser, Scott E. Cleethorpe; Music, Abe Meyer; Editor, Francis Lyon; Release No. DD3-6 (5/4/34; © 5/2/34).



I enjoy seeing how so many of these comedy veterans that we are all used to seeing in the more available Roach, Columbia and RKO comedies, were busy at other studios as well.

Frank

Joe Moore
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Re: Some Paramount Sound Comedies

Postby Joe Moore » Fri Nov 06, 2009 9:28 am

Nice job, Frank.

I wonder how many of these films are extant? I know I've only seen a few of them.

Joe Moore

Louie Despres
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Re: Some Paramount Sound Comedies

Postby Louie Despres » Fri Nov 06, 2009 11:20 am

Here's one not listed:

Image
Image

Frank Flood
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Re: Some Paramount Sound Comedies

Postby Frank Flood » Fri Nov 06, 2009 1:24 pm

My guess is that HUBBY'S NIGHTS OUT is a retitled version of MEET THE MISSUS, from 1929, since I am pretty sure that the Gleasons only made two comedies for Al Christie. Do you have the other credits, such as supporting cast, for HUBBY'S NIGHTS OUT?

Frank

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Re: Some Paramount Sound Comedies

Postby Paul F Etcheverry » Fri Nov 06, 2009 3:22 pm

Nice work, Frank!

Haven't seen the following DVD, but it does feature some lesser known Paramount one-reelers and two-reelers.
http://www.amazon.com/Paramount-Comedy- ... 882&sr=8-1

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Re: Some Paramount Sound Comedies

Postby Louie Despres » Fri Nov 06, 2009 5:35 pm

Frank Flood wrote:My guess is that HUBBY'S NIGHTS OUT is a retitled version of MEET THE MISSUS, from 1929, since I am pretty sure that the Gleasons only made two comedies for Al Christie. Do you have the other credits, such as supporting cast, for HUBBY'S NIGHTS OUT?

Frank


I got an email into my friend who was sitting beside me when we saw this two-reeler and I think he was writing down the cast. The two photos I posted are the only titles that were shown on the reel but I did take a pic from very early in the picture:

Image

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Re: Some Paramount Sound Comedies

Postby Brent Walker » Fri Nov 06, 2009 7:27 pm

Excellent work Frank, thanks for putting this together!

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Re: Some Paramount Sound Comedies

Postby Joe Moore » Sat Nov 07, 2009 4:54 am

Frank Flood wrote:My guess is that HUBBY'S NIGHTS OUT is a retitled version of MEET THE MISSUS, from 1929, since I am pretty sure that the Gleasons only made two comedies for Al Christie. Do you have the other credits, such as supporting cast, for HUBBY'S NIGHTS OUT?

Frank


There's no copyright showing for the title HUBBY'S NIGHT OUT in the copyright catalog if that's of any help in figuring this out.

Joe Moore

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Re: Some Paramount Sound Comedies

Postby Ian Elliot » Sat Nov 07, 2009 9:16 am

The LA Times ran a review of POST MORTEMS, MEET THE MISSUS and MUSIC HATH CHARMS, March 3/29. I wonder if the synopsis given for MEET THE MISSUS matches HUBBY'S NIGHT OUT. The usual caveat about spoilers below applies:

CHRISTIE TALKING PLAYS PROVE RIOTOUSLY FUNNY

Two-reel playlets contain surefire audience appeal.

By Whitney Williams

Despite a feeling of disapproval that many hold for the talking pictures, the Christie brothers have, I feel sure, solved the problem by appeasing even those most bitterly opposed to this form of presentation. In their Christie Talking Plays, they are turning out complete playlets--with well worked out plot--which, through their shortness and rapid tempo, are immensely amusing and not too long to permit interest to wane.

"Post Mortems," in which Raymond Griffith returns to the screen, is an aftermath of the most bitter game in the world, bridge. Written by Charles Devine, the sketch is based upon a situation which is happening in thousands of homes every night, except that in the playlet a nocturnal bridge-playing burglar and his pal enter the action to furnish the comedy.

The premise itself is distinctly humourous, and with clever dialogue is delightfully intriguing. With Griffith are Tom Kennedy, as his pal, and Mabel Forrest and Robert Emmett O'Connor playing the parts of the quarrelling wife and husband. Griffith's hoarse whisper is something of a novelty, but effective.

"Post Mortems" opens with a battling married couple just starting to bed after an evening of constant wrangling over the bridge table. The burglar--who overstayed his time in Sing Sing because his cellmates were such good players--can't resist the temptation to start a game with the people he was about to rob, and to make a table, summons his partner, who is waiting below. A riot, literally, of merriment follows, directly ably by A. Leslie Pearce.

"Meet the Missus" is another funny sketch, with James and Lucille Gleason and Helen Mehrman. It is the story of a song and dance couple who agreed, on their marriage day, that if either found another whom he loved more, the other would step gracefully aside. James finds another, in a gin mill.

Recalling the early bargain, he and his new found beloved, enacted by Miss Mehrman, invade the bedroom of the "missus" to announce the news. After a few introductory passes, the two discover that they started their vaudeville careers in the same kid act--and the remainder of the night, is spent in recalling old days, with James, wrathfully helpless on the sidelines. This playlet was written by Kenyon Nicholson and directed by Arvid E. Gillstrom.

The second of a series of Octavus Roy Cohn[sic] stories, "Music Hath Harms," is highly entertaining with an all-colored cast. Alfred A. Cohn wrote the screen adaptation of this, which Walter Graham directed. The only criticism that might be offered these Octavus Cohn shorts is their great brevity, and their too great story value. Aside from this, however, the picture is commendably laughable, with its characters composed of the elite of Birmingham's Darktown. Much of the charm of the actual magazine story is caught and retained in its picturization.

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Re: Some Paramount Sound Comedies

Postby Louie Despres » Sat Nov 07, 2009 9:28 am

I put an email into Rich Finegan, who gave me this list of what he knows exists:

Music Hath Charms
When Caesar Ran a Newspaper
Oft in the Silly Night
A Hint to Brides
The Sleeping Porch
Faro Nell
Adam's Eve
The Fatal Forceps
Dangerous Females
Weak But Willing
That Red-Headed Hussy
Don't Believe It
Scrappily Married
The Bearded Lady

(Chester Conklin shorts):
Cleaning Up
The Studio Sap
Taxi
Gents of Leisure (showing at Night Owls meeting Nov. 11)
13th Alarm

(Bing Crosby):
Please

(Pallette & Catlett):
Meet the Champ
Sailors Beware
One Awful Night
News Hounds

(Phil L. Ryan - Del Lord):
Cold Turkey
The Old Bugler
Up and Down
Oil's Well

Also, I forgot to say that the title "Hubby's Night Out" is a reissue title
for the one listed as "Meet the Missus" (which of course can also be added
to the "exists" list).


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