https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0033084/SOUTH OF THE BOUDOIR is sad because it was the last short released before the death of Charles Parrott, better known as Charley Chase. After this one was released, Charley, depressed over his brother's death, drank himself into a fatal heart attack at the age of 46. Comedy lost one of its funniest men ever.
Sadly, SOUTH OF THE BOUDOIR just doesn't do it for me. It has funny moments indeed. It, like THE CHUMP TAKES A BUMP, has the domestic plot of Charley's morally corrupt boss wrecking the home. But, unlike the earlier short, this one isn't
as funny.
Also, this short is best known as the Elmer Fudd episode. Yes, that's right, Charley's boss, Mr. Bailey, is played by Arthur Q. Bryan, best known as Elmer Fudd. He does excellent in his only Columbia short and even uses the Fudd voice.
Lord Heath has a great analysis here:
http://www.lordheath.com/menu1_1500.htmlLike metaldams, I am not a big fan of these redundant domestic scenes. It's a sad short knowing Charley's imminent despise, but oh you can tell he loved his job even if his personal life was horrid.
This is a top notch production from an excellent cast, excellent production, and excellent direction. The fantastically skilled-hands made this possible. Without them, this would be junk. I say this even though Helen Lynd might be the worst-voiced actress in the history of acting, possibly ever.
The best moments are Charley's increasing rage at watching his wife effectively cheat on him, the bouncing angry phone, and the dish-smashing contest. A lot of this works because Ann Doran and Charley now work so well together. They gel well enough to lift a short by their cooperation.
8/10