When I stumbled across this 1936 Jack Norton comedy short, I was excited. I have always loved Norton's supporting roles as the drunken neighbor or the drunk at the office party, so seeing him star in his own short would be exciting "pure Norton." Imagine my surprise when he DOESN'T play a drunk here. No, just a meek husband who buys a dog for his wife, and gets into all kinds of trouble (some due to the dog, some not). About midway through, Jack has to cook a chicken dinner for his family and another couple who are coming over, and since his regular kitchen help is gone, he gets Willie Best to assist him. Best's comic timing here is superb, and he's the perfect foil for the bumbling Norton. Jack Norton is obviously a very talented man who could easily have had a successful career as a supporting comic actor without ever playing a drunk. This hilarious short is a wonderful opportunity to see Norton, ably assisted by Willie Best, play a much different role than is usual for him and I highly recommend it. Writer-director is Jean Yarbrough, who later did many fine comedies with both Abbott & Costello and The Bowery Boys.
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