Laurel and Hardy – Kid Speed

Kid Speed – 1924 Black & White. Avery DuPoise is a wealthy business man, organising a race. He meets one the competitors of the race, who is in love with DuPoises daughter. Another competitor crashes into the action, who is also in love DuPoises daughter. DuPoise suggests that whoever wins the race will have the opportunity to visit his daughter every Wednesday night. An action packed races commences, with one competitor doing more than usual to win the race. We all know what became of Oliver Hardy, but Larry Semon’s early death in the 1920s robbed us of what could have been a great comedian in the sound era as well as a talented presence in the silent films. Fast and furious! Yes, Yes, Nanette- 1925 Black & White. Nanette sends home a letter to her family telling of her new husband, Hillory. When Hillory arrives to meet the family, he gets insulted by each member, including the dog, and loses his wig. After having dinner with the family, Nanettes’ former lover (Oliver Hardy) returns, who Hillory must confront. Directed by Stan Laurel. This is Slapstick at its Best! The Paper Hanger’s Helper – 1925 Black & White. Two paperhangers are employed by a sanitarium to hang up some posters. Chaos ensues. In the year that Charles Chaplin signed up with Essanay Films to write, direct and act in his own two reelers, Oliver Hardy (known as Babe Hardy) was earning his living by acting in one reelers such as ‘The Paperhanger’s Helper’. He would have to wait until he teamed up with Stan Laurel in 1927 in the classic silent short film, ‘You’re Darn Tootin’, before he would receive the same level of success as Chaplin.