Ben Turpin Comedy Classics - Turpin Time (Broke In China / A Harem Knight / Why Ben Bolted / Yukon Jake) (Silent) (DVD)

Ben Turpin and his trademark crossed-eyes shot to super-stardom when he joined Mack Sennett's studio in 1917. At the height of his career he would introduce himself with, "I'm Ben Turpin; I make $3000 a week." Hardly an overnight success, he had worked for decades in the circus, vaudeville, burlesque and film before being signed by Sennett. There, his comic potential was maximized by casting him against type, as in A Harem Knight where he plays a sophisticated playboy. With the advent of sound motion pictures, he retired, having made a fortune with wise real estate investment. He occasionally returned to movies for highly-paid cameos. Viewing his work almost a century later, he is still hilarious.

Broke In China (1927): A penniless sailor chases an exotic hoochie-coochie girl in a Shanghai bar and winds up having his entire life turned inside-out.

A Harem Knight (1926): The Rajah's beautiful daughter flees the palace to elope, but inadvertently hides in the apartment of international love pirate Rodney St. Clair.

Why Ben Bolted (1917): Hobo pals Ben and Paddy ride a boxcar into town without a cent in their pocket. However, with the help of the small printing press in Paddy's suitcase, which churns out great-looking counterfeit bills, the boys are soon living the good life.

Yukon Jake (1924): Fearless Sheriff Cyclone Bill maintains law and order in Mustang Gulch until crazy killer Yukon Jake rides into town aiming to take over. The climax contains some wild early special effects with an animated bear.

• comedy