Ambrose Comedies (Silent)

Mack Swain (1876-1935) was born Moroni Swain in Salt Lake City, Utah, the child of Mormon parents. Starting in vaudeville as a teenager, it wasn't long before he was hired by Mack Sennett at Keystone Studios. His large, 6' 2", 230-pound frame and wild eyes made him perfect for Keystone's brand of slapstick comedy. With the help of "Fatty" Arbuckle, Swain developed his own character: Ambrose, a temperamental husband with a roving eye and a tendency to bluster. His perennial nemesis was the mustachioed "Mr. Walrus", played by Chester Conklin. In addition to the "Ambrose" films, Mack often appeared alongside his fellow Keystone players Charlie Chaplin and Mabel Normand. He made a particular impression on Chaplin. When Swain's career slowed down in the 1920s, the comedy legend cast him in supporting roles in many of his classic features, including The Gold Rush (1925). This led to an upswing in the actor's fortunes, including a part in Lon Chaney's Mockery (1927). Mack was still working steadily in Hollywood when he passed away suddenly from an internal hemorrhage at the age of 59. Alpha Video is proud to present this collection of the "Ambrose" shorts, from the archives of Samuel M. Sherman and John K. Carpenter, "The Movie Man."

• Ambrose's Sour Grapes
• When Ambrose Dared Walrus
• Ambrose's Nasty Temper
• Ambrose's Lofty Perch
• Willful Ambrose
• Ambrose's Fury
• Those Bitter Sweets

• silent