When Comedy Was King - Restored

One of the greatest moviegoing experiences of my childhood was watching this movie in a packed theater where the laughter was nonstop; I learned then what the phrase "you'll laugh until your sides ache" really meant. This film is just as hilarious today, and with the dearth of genuine comedy, it probably seems even funnier than it did in 1960. Certainly WHEN COMEDY WAS KING never looked better than it does here: this meticulous restoration by The Sprocket Vault uses the original 35mm film elements and is light-years ahead of any previous video release (or 16mm print, for that matter) that you will ever see. The justly-renowned film historian Richard M. Roberts provides an up-to-date audio commentary, chronicling many of the great silent comedians seen here and also the life and career of filmmaker Robert Youngson, the man responsible for WHEN COMEDY WAS KING and other marvelous comedy compilations. As anyone who has listened to Roberts' other audio tracks already knows, he has a knack for entertaining as well as informing the listener in a casual, engaging style. (I especially enjoyed his asides about Buster Keaton's costar Big Joe Roberts, and his hysterical interpretation of a theme song from a later Youngson effort.) As an added bonus, three rare and exceptional silent comedy shorts from Mr. Roberts' personal collection are included, with delightful piano accompaniment by Donald Sosin. As Roberts observes near the end of the film, we need real laugh-provoking comedy like this more than ever, so do yourself a favor and get this definitive release!

The second of Robert Youngson’s hugely successful series of silent comedy retrospectives, WHEN COMEDY WAS KING is presented here in a stellar, straight-from-the-original 35mm negative transfer. You’ll be hard pressed to see sllent comedy (the more obscure titles, anyway) looking better than this. Youngson was working with optimal materials at the time (nearly 60 years ago) and treated both the film elements – and the subject matter – with ultimate care and affection.Beyond introducing a generation of baby boomers to the joys of slapstick, Youngson’s films served the purpose of transforming those boomers into the enthusiasts, experts, historians and preservationists that keep the legacies of Chaplin, Keaton, Lloyd, Langdon, Arbuckle, et al alive today. Richard Roberts, who provides commentary on the feature (as well as three hugely obscure shorts from his private collection), is one of those figures whose contributions to the silent comedy community are mighty; his commentary tracks here are insightful, informative, opinionated and, mirroring Youngson’s approach, respectful to the artists, the films, and Youngson himself.This Sprocket Vault release is an absolute essential for any comedy enthusiast’s DVD shelf, and remains today – as it was in 1960 – the perfect way to introduce silent comedy to a new generation.

The Robert Youngson films are what spurred my interest in silent comedy in the early 60s. I have seen this compilation film dozens of times, but have never seen it look as good as it does on this newest release. Transferred from original 35mm elements, it is so clear and clean it looks like it was shot yesterday. That includes the early Keystone Chaplin footage. Richard M. Roberts' provides an insightful commentary that keys on Youngson and his history of making new films from old films, while respecting the comedies and not treating them like museum pieces to be mocked. Also included are three very rare silent comedies. My favorite of which is Heavy Love, with the very non-PC Three Fatties.

The Robert Youngson films spawned MY interest in silent movies in the early '60s. Mastered from original 35mm film, this looks like it was filmed last week. There're Keystone Chaplin flicks and excerpts of many classic comedy stars' born after my grand-parents[my parents were born 1913&'18]. The commentary and sound-effects are not intrusive, and contribute to the fun. Also included are three forgotten [silent] comedies that SOME fat folks'll not appreciate; my favorite was ''Heavy Love''.My gran'pa would've talked to me about THIS all through the---as he'd say---"fabulous flicker"!Highly recommended--- even if you CAN hear!A picture of gran'pa and me at The V.A. Hospital; he was wounded in 1898 [Spanish American War]. I'm under the tree!I miss Gran'pa! His wife. Pina, [1865-1931] died before I was born.

Alles Bestens! Vielen Dank! Thank You!

A real nostalgia trip

like