"Raymond Griffith: The Silk Hat Comedian" Blu-ray - Betty Compson @UndercrankProd (Patreon)

BONUS CAPTURES:

"Raymond Griffith: The Silk Hat Comedian" Blu-ray - Betty Compson @UndercrankProd

Paths to Paradise (1925)   You'd Be Surprised (1926)

US: https://amzn.to/3r4oY7N

UK: https://amzn.to/3JAix2H

OUR REVIEW:

http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film11/blu-ray_review_174/raymond_griffith_the_silk_hate_comedian_blu-ray.htm

Raymond Griffith is one of the best-kept secrets of silent comedy. During a twenty-five year career he not only wrote, directed and produced movies, but was also the star of nine comedy features for Paramount. Because of the disappearance and unavailability of his work he's been forgotten, but now this release of two of his best comedies puts the spotlight on Mr. Griffith and serves as an introduction to his many talents. - Paths to Paradise (1925) is the most overlooked silent comedy classic of the 1920s. A clockwork-timed crook comedy that presents Griffith in all his smarmy elegance, it's expertly written, directed, and acted by a top-notch comedy ensemble. Griffith and co-star Betty Compson play rival jewel thieves who form an alliance to steal a valuable diamond. You'd Be Surprised (1926) stars the top-hatted bon vivant as a police coroner who's called in to solve the murder of an important district attorney. Dorothy Sebastian is the leading lady who helps Mr. Griffith sort through numerous red herrings to find the killer. Veteran supporting players add comic seasoning to the proceedings of one of the most recent rediscoveries of the lost Griffith films.

***

Undercrank Productions Raymond Griffith: The Silk Hat Comedian Blu-ray package is a must-own for Silent Era fans. Griffith is remarkable as being almost completely forgotten in today's niche of silent film's history, performers and their work. I enjoyed both films but maybe Paths to Paradise more despite the missing seventh reel. Betty Compson is delightful as a con-woman as a precursor to be a sneaky femme fatale. You'd Be Surprised has more broad comedy and the amusing mystery angle. Undercrank Productions is definitely a “collector’s brand” with most of their digital releases funded by silent era devotees (usually through Kickstarter.) This is a great package of a lesser-seen performer - the HD image looks sweet on Blu-ray and there is a educational video essay. Absolutely recommedned!