'Hottentots' is a negative term used to describe black African natives. Oddly, this seems to have absolutely nothing to do with this short film from Vitaphone (Warner Brothers).
The film involves two not particularly funny or talented guys who form a vaudeville-style routine. They get a booking at a theater and there is a funny(?) bit about them being called again and again and again to perform. Sadly, however, this isn't the least bit funny. The only positive I can think of is that unlike most Vitaphone shorts, this one has some plot.
While Vitaphone brought many stage acts to appear in their early sound shorts, it seems that the Reese Brothers (which were not brothers) were saved for the end--probably because they were not particularly good! Compared to other comics of the day, their antics are pretty dreadful and they weren't about to challenge Laurel & Hardy, Wheeler & Woolsey or even Boris Karloff in the comedy department!! I noticed one reviewer comment that Vaudeville is dead...and I think this duo really helped to kill it!
The film involves two not particularly funny or talented guys who form a vaudeville-style routine. They get a booking at a theater and there is a funny(?) bit about them being called again and again and again to perform. Sadly, however, this isn't the least bit funny. The only positive I can think of is that unlike most Vitaphone shorts, this one has some plot.
While Vitaphone brought many stage acts to appear in their early sound shorts, it seems that the Reese Brothers (which were not brothers) were saved for the end--probably because they were not particularly good! Compared to other comics of the day, their antics are pretty dreadful and they weren't about to challenge Laurel & Hardy, Wheeler & Woolsey or even Boris Karloff in the comedy department!! I noticed one reviewer comment that Vaudeville is dead...and I think this duo really helped to kill it!