The Fighting Parson (1930)

Harry is mistaken for "The Fighting Parson" in a tough western town.

Directors:

Fred Guiol (as Fred L. Guiol), Charley Rogers (as Charles Rogers)

Writer:

H.M. Walker (story editor)

Stars:

Harry Langdon, Thelma Todd, Judith Barrett

Cast

Cast overview:
Harry Langdon	...	The Banjo Player
Thelma Todd	...	The Blonde Dance Hall Girl
Judith Barrett	...	The Brunette Dance Hall Girl (as Nancy Dover)
Eddie Dunn	...	The Piano Player

Storyline

The guys at the saloon in a wild west town are unhappy to hear that a moral crusader, known as the Fighting Parson, is headed their way. We meet the parson and his wife aboard a stagecoach; their fellow passenger is an itinerant banjo player. After the stage is held up, only the banjo player makes it to town, where he's mistaken for the Fighting Parson. A gal forced into white slavery at the saloon asks him for help, and he has to duke it out with the dance hall girl's tormentor. Does this small man stand a chance?

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Plot Keywords:

parson | banjo player | banjo | saloon | stagecoach | 

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Genres:

Short | Comedy | Western

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User Reviews

Another Great Comedy From Langdon - Surprise

I continue to be stunned by this guy's abilities. I thought Langdon was a low-talent flash in the pan. The more I watch, the more I am amazed. After seeing this film, I can see why Chaplin felt threatened by Langdon. Burlesque, farce, sight gags, creativity, dance and song, combine in this rare gem. Why wasn't Langdon's phone ringing off the table after this short? Something is wrong with this whole scene. Did Frank Capra take his revenge to the street and get Langdon blackballed? If you combine this movie with "Three's Company", you have two unforgettable boxing scenes, before Chaplin's "City Lights". Langdon dances like he was born to dance. I have seen him sing here and in "Soldier's Plaything". This guy was a nuclear arsenal of talent. Yes, Langdon challenges us. They have a word for that. They call it "ART". He easily steals every scene with a bottomless well of pantomime, gestures and facial expressions. "The Fighting Parson" combines the best of the Sennett tradition, Hal Roach's team and Langdon's ability to pay it off. I urge the viewer to just relax and let this side-splitting short come to you.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

22 February 1930 (USA)

Filming Locations:

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

Company Credits

Production Co:

Hal Roach Studios

Technical Specs

Runtime:

20 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.20 : 1