On the Wrong Trek

Charley Chase stars and directs this comedy short from Hal Roach Studios. While the director is listed as Charles Parrott, that is Charley's real name and he often directed himself. Also, it's interesting to see that he looks a good bit older in this short--choosing not to dye his graying hair like he did in many other films made around 1936. However, Charley's singing in the film is pretty typical, as he often sang in his sound shorts and had a very pleasant voice.

The film begins with Charley returning to work after a vacation and telling everyone how awful it was. The rest of the movie is a flashback detailing the trip. He wants to go to Michigan, but his bossy mother-in-law insists they go to California--so it's California! On the way, one disaster after another occur and they never even get to their destination.

As far as Chase films go, this one is about average. Like so many of his later domestic comedies, it's a nice leisurely film with a decent number of laughs. I particularly liked the ending--leaving the audience with a good laugh.

PS--Watch the entire movie closely. I'd rather not say any more--you'll understand.