The Wide Open Spaces (1931)

A Wild West spoof by The Masquers Comedy Club of Hollywood

Director:

Arthur Rosson

Writers:

Edward Earle, Walter Weems

Stars:

Antonio Moreno, Dorothy Sebastian, Ned Sparks

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Antonio Moreno	...	John Smith - Government Agent
Dorothy Sebastian	...	Rose
Ned Sparks	...	Sheriff Jack Rancid
Frank McHugh	...	Matt - a Gambler
William Farnum	...	U.S. Marshal
George Cooper	...	Louis San Nabisco
Claude Gillingwater	...	Judge
Tom Dugan	...	Townsman in Saloon
George Chandler	...	Townsman in Saloon
Walter Hiers	...	Ukelele Player
Mack Swain	...	Bartender
Clyde Cook	...	Townsman at Wedding
Matthew Betz	...	Gunman
Robert Frazer	...	Townsman
Earle Foxe	...	Townsman

Storyline

A Wild West spoof by The Masquers Comedy Club of Hollywood

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Plot Keywords:

two reeler

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Genres:

Comedy | Short | Western

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

28 December 1931 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Masquers Club of Hollywood, RKO Pathé Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

20 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.20 : 1

User Reviews

The Masquers

This short is one of four of the shorts produced by the Masquers Club and distributed by RKO in the early 1930s, now available on DVD from Encore Home Video.

This wild burlesque of westerns, directed by Arthur Rosson stars Ned Sparks in his usual frozen-faced performance, as the sheriff, Antonio Moreno as the Mexican bandit -- sort of -- and a host of silent comics and straight performers. It uses every cliche in the book to comic effect and throws in lots of gags while remaining a well-directed and photographed movie. If you love silent movies, slapstick comedy or playing 'spot the star' this one will be a real treat for you.