Joe Harvat has restored this movie for home recording from Library of Congress material.
Earle Williams has bought wife Betty Compson a diamond-encrusted comb for her birthday. She spot it hidden in his office. But pinkie-ring wearing Armand Kalish points out Miss Compson has bobbed hair, so he buys it off Williams and gives it to his petite amie, Jocelyn Lee. Miss Compson is pleased with the diamond tiara Williams has substituted, but she admits she saw the comb; he says he sold it to a pal. But when Miss Compson spots the comb on Miss Lee, she assumes Williams gave it to her for *ahem* services rendered, and we're off.
Once you get past the rather feeble set-up -- everything could have been short-circuited had Earle Williams said "Yes, I bought you a comb, but I realized you had bobbed hair, so I sold it to Armand Kaliz and bought you this". Of course that would have resulted in a rather dull single-reel movie, so we're left with people who don't trust anyone. While the gags are good -- I was particularly taken with Miss Compson getting comfortably into an icebox -- I didn't think much of the titles, which forced themselves in an attempt to be witty.
On the plus side, Joe Harvat's restoration is nearly flawless, and David Drazin accompanies with a quirky jazz score. While this movie is not a great one, it is a worthwhile addition to those of us who love Betty Compson, and a fine example of the sort of comedy that kept theaters open on weekdays, back in the day.
Earle Williams has bought wife Betty Compson a diamond-encrusted comb for her birthday. She spot it hidden in his office. But pinkie-ring wearing Armand Kalish points out Miss Compson has bobbed hair, so he buys it off Williams and gives it to his petite amie, Jocelyn Lee. Miss Compson is pleased with the diamond tiara Williams has substituted, but she admits she saw the comb; he says he sold it to a pal. But when Miss Compson spots the comb on Miss Lee, she assumes Williams gave it to her for *ahem* services rendered, and we're off.
Once you get past the rather feeble set-up -- everything could have been short-circuited had Earle Williams said "Yes, I bought you a comb, but I realized you had bobbed hair, so I sold it to Armand Kaliz and bought you this". Of course that would have resulted in a rather dull single-reel movie, so we're left with people who don't trust anyone. While the gags are good -- I was particularly taken with Miss Compson getting comfortably into an icebox -- I didn't think much of the titles, which forced themselves in an attempt to be witty.
On the plus side, Joe Harvat's restoration is nearly flawless, and David Drazin accompanies with a quirky jazz score. While this movie is not a great one, it is a worthwhile addition to those of us who love Betty Compson, and a fine example of the sort of comedy that kept theaters open on weekdays, back in the day.
