Smithy (1924)

After being discharged from the 372nd infantry, on account of a bean shortage, smithy seeks employment. He finds employment at a construction site, where he helps to build a house, and soon... See full summary »

Directors:

George Jeske, Hal Roach

Writer:

H.M. Walker (titles)

Stars:

Stan Laurel, James Finlayson, William Gillespie

Cast

Cast overview:
Stan Laurel	...	Smithy
James Finlayson	...	Sergeant
William Gillespie	...	The Boss

Storyline

After being discharged from the 372nd infantry, on account of a bean shortage, smithy seeks employment. He finds employment at a construction site, where he helps to build a house, and soon causes havoc amoungst other workers. The constuction company owner leaves for a week, and tells his secretary to send a letter to Mr. Smith telling him to complete the construction of the house while he (the owner) is away. The letter is accidently sent to Smithy who manages to complete the house. When the owner returns the house is complete, and Smithy is commended until the last support beam is removed...

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Plot Keywords:

construction | mix up | sergeant | army | hal roach | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Short

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 January 1924 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Home Wrecker

Filming Locations:

Hal Roach Studios - 8822 Washington Blvd., Culver City, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Hal Roach Studios

Technical Specs

Runtime:

20 min 15 min (short)

Sound Mix:

Silent

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

Foreman: Do you know anything about building?
Smithy: No.
Foreman: Jus' the man we're lookin' for.

User Reviews

Smithy was a funny Stan Laurel short with James Finlayson in fine support

Just watched this early Stan Laurel comedy short produced by Hal Roach on the "American Slapstick" DVD collection. In this one, Stan plays the title role as a discharged soldier looking for work. So he gets a job in construction. James Finlayson plays his sergeant who later resurfaces as a co-worker in the building. If you're a Laurel & Hardy fan who's also an admirer of Finlayson's work with them (like me), you should find plenty to like here as Stan botches several attempts at his new job with Fin being hit several times as a result! I especially liked the ladder bit when Laurel keeps losing his hat and heavy roll he's carrying with him. Not to mention a scene involving a wooden board, a saw, and wobbling board between the two frequent co-stars (and another person holding said wobbling board) that I thought was pretty hilarious. I've said enough so I'll just recommend Smithy. P.S. I just watched the short again and the gag of a board staying on Stan's head after he turns around is nowhere to be found in the version I saw. Obviously, I've been watching an edited version.