For decades it was widely assumed that Harry Langdon (1884-1944) was not as important a figure in silent screen comedy as Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Harold Lloyd, or other master clowns. Lost and Found: The Harry Langdon Collection aims to correct that oversight, compiling 20 comedy shorts together with Langdon's first feature film—the result of a coordinated search effort between commercial film archives and private collectors around the world. Created during the peak of Langdon's popularity between 1924-1928, these films offer a long-overdue opportunity to assess his contributions, making a strong case for this American comic's inclusion among the silent comedy greats—largely due to his mastery of comedic reactions to slapstick situations. With his round and pale baby face and big expressive eyes, Langdon (whom producer Mack Sennett considered "the greatest comedian I've ever known") cleverly played on his image as an easily befuddled man-child. The shorts here represent almost the entirety of Langdon's short-film output, and although 1927's His First Flame runs just under 45 minutes, it's considered Langdon's first "feature-length" comedy, since it was filmed before (but released after) Langdon's better-known movie Long Pants. Along with the shorts and feature, Lost and Found also includes a wealth of DVD extras, such as audio commentaries, alternate versions of selected shorts, additional clips and short subjects related to Langdon, and a new 74-minute documentary on his life and career. All in all, this affordably priced set is the definitive collection of Langdon's work. Highly recommended. (J. Shannon)
Lost and Found: The Harry Langdon Collection
Facets, 4 discs, 624 min., not rated, DVD: $39.95 Volume 23, Issue 3
Lost and Found: The Harry Langdon Collection
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