"The Stolen Jools" boasts more prominent stars than have ever appeared before in a single feature, which may be true. Dozens of stars appear, all too briefly, in an under 20-minute search for actress Norma Shearer's lost jewels. We begin on a balmy summer evening in Hollywood, as blustery police chief Wallace Beery receives notification of area crimes. A short appearance by Buster Keaton is followed quickly by Laurel and Hardy becoming involved in the fun. The camera next find Ms. Shearer at her house, with various guests. An extensive cast list follows the film, though it notably leaves out the likes of Joe E. Brown.
Sponsored by Chesterfield Cigarettes, this short film helped raise money to fight tuberculosis.
Eddie Kane is the main investigator. Box office pals Joan Crawford and William Haines are among the first suspects. Obviously, they didn't do it. Warner Baxter does his Oscar-winning "Cisco Kid" characterization. Small parts are played by Irene Dunne, Richard Dix, Gary Cooper, Buddy Rogers, Maurice Chevalier, Douglas Fairbanks, and Loretta Young. Richard Barthelmess and Charles Butterworth appear, but not "under the tree." Married couple Bebe Daniels and Ben Lyon are seen at home, as are the alter-bound Frank Fay and Barbara Stanwyck, she reading a rather silly poem. Many others appear, with young Mitzi Green finally ending the mystery.
***** The Stolen Jools (4/4/31) William C. McGann ~ Eddie Kane, Norma Shearer, Wallace Beery, Mitzi Green
