Reviews
Another Wild Idea (1934)
One of the greatest
Charley Chase was the true gem of stand alone comedy. Yes he did overplay, that's what made him so funny. I first saw Chase in a few movies about 20 years ago on a channel that went belly up. Thanks to TCM for bring these wonderful movies back. All of us movie lovers owe them tons of gratitude. His movies with Betty Mack may portray the most warmth and charm ever captured on film, especially for his brand of wacky comedy. I missed the beginning of this movie but I did catch the final song that he and Betty sang - it doesn't get any better and thankfully I did get to see this much. I hope you get a chance see them paired again in the movies, "I'll Take Vanilla" and "The Chases of Dimple Street. " Meanwhile I'll wait for TCM to re-run "Another Wild Idea."
The funny, frustrated and dapper Charley died when he was only about 47 years old - somehow he was just forgotten - like a forgotten Easter egg. Betty Mack got her start mostly in those early western (cowboy) movies, but she never went too far in the movie business, always in supporting roles. Betty had a smile that could melt an iceberg and she quietly laughed with her eyes - she lived to be 79.