Thundering Fleas (1926)

Synopsis of Thundering Fleas

Easily one of the fastest and funniest of the silent Our Gang comedies, Thundering Fleas is set in motion with a sidewalk performance of Professor Clements' Trained Flea and Insect Circus. When the Professor's star attraction, Garfield the flea (depicted via animation) escapes, Clements offers to pay the Our Gang kids a dollar if they can locate the wayward insect. Alas, all of the fleas manage to get away thanks to the gang's "assistance," and pretty soon the entire city is scratching and writhing. The limit comes when the kids -- and the fleas -- attend the fancy wedding reception of Mary Kornman's older sister. Comedy buffs will be amused by the presence of three major Hal Roach stars in minor roles: Oliver Hardy as a pants-less policeman, Charley Chase (hidden behind a huge walrus moustache) as a twitching wedding guest, and a moustache-less James Finlayson -- of the raised eyebrow and the spectacular double take -- as the justice of the peace. Originally released on July 18, 1926, Thundering Fleas is also available in a shortened, TV version retitled The Flea Circus. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Director(s):

Robert F. McGowan

Producer(s):

Hal Roach

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