Hustling for Health

This short is now available on the Hal Roach DVD "The Lost Films of Laurel and Hardy Vol. 1". The liner notes on the DVD identify the poor sap Stan knocks over at the train depo as Dwight Frye, although this is 10 years earlier than any film listed on the IMDB Frye credits list. The print is worn but relatively good shape with Stan's makeup looking very heavy and almost mime-like at times. Actually everyone's makeup is heavy as several of the "suffragette" types have "racoon eyes." The sets are quite primitive compared to his later shorts. But, he's still funny as a the classic put-upon sap, especially when loaded down with boxes or pulling a wagon. I loved his love-lorn gazing at the pretty neighbor unfazed by the drenching downpour. quite an artifact.