Arabian Tights

Arabian Tights (1933)

** (out of 4)

Hal Roach directed two-reeler has Charley Chase and three buddies in Paris for the American Legion and of course they end up in trouble. The four men duck into a door not knowing they've just signed up for the Foreign Legion, which sends them to the desert where they're taken captive but not for the reasons you might think. There's no doubt that Roach was a genius with everything he helped create but at the same time I've been less impressed with his skills as a director. His direction isn't the sole reason this isn't a good movie because the screenplay gets a lot of credit as well. The first portion of the film has a joke that just keeps happening and it's not funny the first time and it's even less funny the second and third time. The joke deals with Chase constantly insulting Muriel Evans who in return kicks him in the butt. The second portion of the film doesn't work in terms of a comedy but it was nice getting to hear Chase and the fellows sing a song. To me Chase is one of the most under appreciated comedians from this era and he also had a terrific voice, which he at least gets to show off here. The material just isn't good enough to where Chase and company can do anything with it and the funniest part comes from one of the extras in a joke where shows the boys what a good shot he is. I won't ruin what happens but it's certainly the highlight.