Keystone Cops.... Not! #2

... and here's another series of shots often seen in comedy compilations, and thought to be the Sennett Keystone Cops, but nope... these clips are from the not-as-sophisticated-as-you-thought Vitagraph studios.... home of Larry Semon and the Big V Riot Squad. The film is 'Tough Luck & Tin Lizzies' (1917).... enjoy!

[@OofusTwillip]

The music is "Bag o' Rags", one of my favourite tunes to play on my player-piano. Imagine what the makers of this movie would think if they found out people were still enjoying it, over a century later.

[@DaveGlass]

Thanks Patte. Maybe we'll get to see/hear you play it one day?....

[@LordHeath1972]

Oh you just gotta love the health & safety standards in those days!

[@ericalbany]

I recognized the "Stone" walls. In a Larry Semon short taken from a pristine negative you can see that they nailed wood slabs to the wall - the grain is clearly visible.

[@kelboyce2629]

A riot, and long after Mabel Normand had left Vitagraph!

[@dianeo]

Is the little guy (in white pants) doing pratfalls at the beginning Joe Rock? Doesn't look like Larry Semon.

[@DaveGlass]

Hi... yes, could be Joe. It's definitely not Larry! : )

[@WaverBoy]

Any hope for a restored set of Larry Semon shorts? What sort of elements are out there?

[@DaveGlass]

I'd love a set of Semon shorts. Lots of bits survive in various archives around the world. Mammoth task. Is there a big enough fan base?

[@WaverBoy]

I’m sure Larry would do at least as well as Lloyd, Billy or Lupino, wouldn’t he? Plus, there’s the Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy crossover appeal, as he worked with both. If you included some films in which he co-starred with either L or H along with some solo outings, that would be a fantastic set and help guarantee fan interest, as there are a few L&H fans out there I’m told… 🙂 Kickstarter time! Speaking of which, I’m totally amped for your Billy B set, can’t wait till my backer copy shows up!