User Reviews

Here's an episode of a long forgotten two reel comedy series based on long forgotten comic strip character Buster Brown. Buster is played by Arthur Trimble, his little friend is Doreen Turner, both today, alas, are footnotes to footnotes in cinema history. But Buster's dog 'Tige' is instantly recognizable as Pete the Pup from the Our Gang shorts and he easily steals the show here too. Director Gus Meins would also go onto great fame overseeing some of the funniest Little Rascals comedies. As far as I know, this specific title is only available today in an abridged form as SPARKY AND THE TUTOR, a 15 minute episode of COMEDY CAPERS the early 1960's TV package of silent comedies. Even in a shortened version (with almost all the inter-titles removed!) this is a pretty funny comedy with 'Sparky' (that's Tige as portrayed by Pete) playing the piano, stealing an old coot's glasses and joining in with Buster for a wild chase finale. There's even a neat animated effect when the pooch is knocked in the air down a block or two then eagerly scampers back. One hopes no cartoon characters were injured in the making of this film.