The Pip from Pittsburg

Pip from Pittsburg, The (1931)

*** (out of 4)

A simple story made hilarious due to the talents of Charley Chase and Thelma Todd. In the film Chase plays a man forced by his buddy to go on a blind date. Chase is a little worried since the last blind date he went on led to him being stalked so he decides to dress, smell and act like a bum so that the girl won't have anything to do with him. It turns out the girl (Todd) is beautiful so Chase must then try and find a way to appeal to her. While this isn't a classic it's still a very pleasant little gem that has the two stars at the top of their game and delivering some very big laughs. There are countless funny moments but one of the best happens early on when Chase is trying to shave but warning his friend that he doesn't want to go on the date. Chase is then forced on the phone to talk with the girl and everything that happens in these few minutes are very funny. Another excellent scene happens during a dance where the lights go off and each time they do Chase tries to change into a different outfit. Chase and Todd made quite a few shorts together and it's a real shame they didn't do some sort of comic team where they both had equal billing. There's no doubt that Chase is the star of this thing but each time he and Todd are together real magic happens. The two certainly knew how to work off the other and in the end it's their charm that makes this a winner.