When the Ultimate Collection was released, it was noted that NOT GUILTY ENOUGH (1938 Clyde/Shemp short) and CUCKOORANCHO (1938 Besser solo short) were not included. They were strange omissions - every other Shemp and Besser Columbia solo short were included.
Was it an oversight? Was it because the material only existed in substandard condition? Or was the material nowhere to be found?
It turns out that the right answer is behind door number three.
In response to an e-mail I sent, Sony's top restoration expert relayed the following:
"We would have loved to include them, but we did not have any material. Nor did the Library of Congress or other archives we contacted. We also went out to
collectors trying to find prints. I agree it would have been great to include them."
Move over, HELLO POP and JAILBIRDS OF PARADISE. You might have new company.