“Half Shot at Sunrise” is a 1930 American pre-Code comedy film directed by Paul Sloane and starring Wheeler and Woolsey. The film follows the comedic misadventures of two American soldiers, Jerry (Bert Wheeler) and “Scoop” (Robert Woolsey), who go AWOL in Paris during World War I.

Jerry and Scoop decide to spend a wild night on the town, but they end up getting mixed up with a group of criminals who are trying to steal a valuable painting from a wealthy businessman’s home. Jerry and Scoop get mistaken for the burglars and are forced to go along with the plan to avoid being caught by the police.

Along the way, the duo encounters a bevy of beautiful women, including a seductive French woman named Yvonne (Dorothy Lee), who gets involved in the chaos. There are also several hilarious slapstick moments, including a scene in which Jerry and Scoop accidentally set fire to the businessman’s home.

Eventually, Jerry and Scoop manage to foil the criminals’ plans and clear their names, but not before causing chaos and mayhem throughout Paris. The film ends with the duo returning to their barracks and facing the consequences of their wild night out.

“Half Shot at Sunrise” is a classic example of the zany, irreverent humor that defined many pre-Code comedies of the early 1930s. The film was a box office success and helped to establish Wheeler and Woolsey as one of the most popular comedy teams of the era.

Directors:
Paul Sloane

Writer:
James Ashmore Creelman, Anne Caldwell, Ralph Spence

Stars:
Bert Wheeler, Robert Woolsey, Dorothy Lee

“The Stolen Jools” is a 1931 American comedy short film directed by William C. McGann. The film features an all-star cast of popular Hollywood actors of the time and was made to raise funds for the National Variety Artists Tuberculosis Sanitarium.

The film begins with the theft of actress Norma Shearer’s precious diamond-studded jewelry, called “The Jools”, from her dressing room. The theft prompts a group of detectives and other famous Hollywood stars to launch an investigation to find the stolen jewels.

As the story unfolds, the detectives and stars encounter a series of comedic mishaps and misadventures in their search for the stolen jewels. The cast of actors includes well-known names such as Laurel and Hardy, Buster Keaton, Joan Crawford, and Gary Cooper, among many others.

The film is notable for its humorous take on the Hollywood scene of the time, as well as for its use of numerous cameo appearances by popular actors of the era. It was also one of the first films to use the “guest star” format, which became popular in later television shows.

Overall, “The Stolen Jools” is a fun and lighthearted short film that provides a glimpse into the Hollywood scene of the early 1930s. Its star-studded cast and comedic storyline make it a unique and enjoyable piece of Hollywood history.

Directors:
William C. McGann, John G. Adolfi, Thomas Atkins

Writer:
Al Boasberg, Edwin J. Burke, Arthur Caesar

Stars:
Norma Shearer, Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy

“Bride for Henry” is a comedy film directed by William Nigh and released in 1937. The movie follows the story of Henry Christine (Warren William), a wealthy and successful businessman who is a notorious bachelor and averse to marriage.

Despite this, his Aunt Emily (Billie Burke) is determined to see him married off, and she invites a group of eligible young women to stay at his country estate. However, Henry is unimpressed with the candidates and attempts to avoid them at every turn.

Things take a turn when Henry meets Anne (Patricia Ellis), a secretary who is visiting the estate with her employer. Henry is immediately smitten with her and begins to pursue her, much to the dismay of Aunt Emily, who thinks Anne is unsuitable for her nephew.

As Henry and Anne grow closer, they face numerous obstacles, including Henry’s reluctance to commit to marriage and the interference of Aunt Emily and her cohorts. However, in the end, true love prevails, and Henry and Anne get engaged.

Overall, “Bride for Henry” is a charming romantic comedy that showcases the talents of its cast and provides plenty of laughs along the way.

Directors:
William Nigh

Writer:
Josephine Bentham, Marion Orth

Stars:
Anne Nagel, Warren Hull, Henry Mollison

“Let’s Get Tough” is a 1942 American comedy film directed by Wallace Fox and starring the comedy team of The East Side Kids (Leo Gorcey, Huntz Hall, Bobby Jordan, and others).

The film follows the East Side Kids as they become involved in a local boxing match to raise money for a friend’s father who has been falsely accused of a crime. Along the way, the boys get into various scrapes and misadventures, including accidentally starting a fire in a grocery store and getting chased by the police.

As the boys prepare for the big boxing match, they discover that their opponent is being trained by a group of Nazis who are planning to fix the fight in their favor. The East Side Kids must come up with a plan to defeat the Nazis and save the day.

“Let’s Get Tough” is a fun and lighthearted comedy that showcases the antics of the beloved East Side Kids. The film is notable for its humorous and heartwarming portrayal of the camaraderie and loyalty among the boys, as well as its anti-Nazi message, which was especially relevant during World War II. Overall, “Let’s Get Tough” is a charming and entertaining film that is sure to delight fans of classic comedy.

Directors:
Wallace Fox

Writer:
Harvey Gates

Stars:
Leo Gorcey, Bobby Jordan, Huntz Hall

“Back-Room Boy” is a 1942 British comedy film directed by Herbert Mason and starring Arthur Askey, Anne Shelton, and Peter Graves.

The film follows the story of Arthur Pilbeam, a hapless scientist who is recruited to work for the British government during World War II. Pilbeam is tasked with developing a new secret weapon, but his experiments repeatedly fail, leading to frustration from his superiors.

Despite his lack of success, Pilbeam remains determined to contribute to the war effort, and eventually comes up with a breakthrough idea that could change the course of the war. However, his invention is stolen by a group of German spies, who try to take it back to Germany.

Pilbeam sets out on a madcap adventure to retrieve his invention, with the help of his colleague, Anne, and a dashing pilot named Peter. Along the way, they encounter a series of humorous obstacles and challenges, including a car chase and a high-flying aerial battle.

In the end, Pilbeam and his team are able to outsmart the German spies and retrieve the invention, securing a major victory for the British war effort. The film ends with Pilbeam being hailed as a hero, and his colleagues recognizing the value of his unconventional methods and unique approach to science.

Overall, “Back-Room Boy” is a delightful comedy that captures the spirit of British resilience and determination during World War II. It features the trademark humor and wit of Arthur Askey, one of Britain’s most beloved comedians, and is a charming and entertaining tribute to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the British people.

Directors:
Herbert Mason

Writer:
J.O.C. Orton, Val Guest, Marriott Edgar

Stars:
Arthur Askey, Moore Marriott, Graham Moffatt