“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
