10- `Anarchic Fringe.' Well, we finally get to see a Ben Turpin close-up in `Yukon Jake' (1924). The biggest surprise, to some, will be Charley Bowers' 1926 `Now You Tell One.' Bowers, who bears more than a passing resemblance to Buster Keaton, tells his story to a gathering of the Liars' Club. Bowers included stop-action animation in his shorts, was really a pioneer in the field, and his story includes a rapidly growing eggplant that contains an egg and salt shaker, shoe strings that tie themselves, and other such fanciful nonsense.
The Tons of Fun program begins with Yukon Jake (1924) starring Ben Turpin. A small Western town sheriff (Turpin) tracks outlaw Yukon Jake (Kalla Pasha) to the frozen north. From a very-good to excellent, but worn, 35mm print. Small orchestra music by Robert Israel.
Three of a Kind (1926) with Frank Alexander, Hillard ‘Fat’ Karr and ‘Kewpie’ Ross (“A Ton of Fun”). The Barrel Brothers entertain at a restaurant. From a very-good 16mm print. Synthesizer music by Brian Benison.
Dry and Thirsty (1921) with Billy Bletcher. Billy tries to get a drink in Prohibition times. From a very-good 35mm print. Small orchestra music by Robert Israel.
Family Life (1924) with Mark Jones and Sunshine Hart . The new neighbors make a mess of a duplex home and capture Gypsy Joe and his gang. From a very-good sepia-toned 35mm print. Synthesizer music score by Brian Benison.
Now You Tell One (1926) with Charles Bowers. A society of liars get together to compete against one another, but won’t believe Charley’s story. From an excellent 35mm print, with new intertitles and no main titles. Small orchestra music by Robert Israel.
The Grocery Clerk (1920) with Larry Semon and Frank Alexander. Larry is a grocery clerk who is followed by trouble. From an excellent 35mm print. Synthesizer music by Brian Benison.
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