The Fighting Parson

I continue to be stunned by this guy's abilities. I thought Langdon was a low-talent flash in the pan. The more I watch, the more I am amazed. After seeing this film, I can see why Chaplin felt threatened by Langdon. Burlesque, farce, sight gags, creativity, dance and song, combine in this rare gem. Why wasn't Langdon's phone ringing off the table after this short? Something is wrong with this whole scene. Did Frank Capra take his revenge to the street and get Langdon blackballed? If you combine this movie with "Three's Company", you have two unforgettable boxing scenes, before Chaplin's "City Lights". Langdon dances like he was born to dance. I have seen him sing here and in "Soldier's Plaything". This guy was a nuclear arsenal of talent. Yes, Langdon challenges us. They have a word for that. They call it "ART". He easily steals every scene with a bottomless well of pantomime, gestures and facial expressions. "The Fighting Parson" combines the best of the Sennett tradition, Hal Roach's team and Langdon's ability to pay it off. I urge the viewer to just relax and let this side-splitting short come to you.