Alice Howell is running for Chief of Police against Rose Burkhardt. They get into a boxing match; they attempt to sabotage each other's speeches; and finally, there's a dust-up between the victor's elite squad of chorines in uniforms and the other's street cleaners.

Miss Howell was one of the leading comediennes of the silent era, unafraid to take a fall or look silly; her usual role had her with her hair loosely piled atop her head, and a shabby dress. She was very popular to the middle of the 1920s, when she retired, because her shrewd investments in Los Angeles real estate were bringing in more than her screen appearances. But her family is still in show business; her daughter married George Stevens.

This is an all right comedy that has not aged particularly well. It's not that we lack contemporary understanding of the insanity of the other guy's policies; perhaps it's because we take it all too solemnly now.

The farce subgenre features exaggerated situations, slapstick humor, mistaken identities, and chaotic, rapid-fire events. Farces are known for their absurd and over-the-top comedic elements, often involving misunderstandings, physical comedy, and improbable scenarios.

Leslie Nielsen, Robert Hays, Julie Hagerty, and Lorna Patterson in Airplane! (1980)

The comedy genre refers to a category of entertainment that aims to amuse and entertain audiences by using humor, wit, and comedic situations. Comedies are created with the primary intention of eliciting laughter and providing lighthearted enjoyment. They encompass a wide range of styles, tones, and themes, appealing to various tastes and audiences.

Will Ferrell, Angela Grillo, and Lap-Gei Cheung in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)

The short form refers to creative works characterized by their brevity and concise storytelling. Unlike full-length feature films, short films have a running time of less than 45 minutes, while TV shorts have a running time of less than 22 minutes.

Benedict Cumberbatch in The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar (2023)

Two female candidates for Chief of Police live across the hall from each other, and their political rivalry follows them home, leading to plenty of hi-jinks.

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"The Gentlemen" and "Slow Horses" return this fall, while the "Reacher" spin-off series "Neagley" makes its debut. See our guide of the biggest Fall TV and streaming releases.

2026 Fall TV and Streaming Watch Guide

&quot;The Gentlemen&quot; and &quot;Slow Horses&quot; return this fall, while the &quot;Reacher&quot; spin-off series &quot;Neagley&quot; makes its debut. See our guide of the biggest Fall TV and streaming releases.

Get a closer look at these actors from their many TV and streaming series roles.

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The Silent Comedy Watch Party Ep. 102 - 10/13/24 - Alice Howell and Laurel & Hardy

Lunatics in Politics

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