Forgotten Funnymen - Larry Semon

Born to vaudevillian parents, Larry Semon honed his comic skills in the family act, then used his drawing talent as a newspaper cartoonist. In 1916, Vitagraph recruited Semon to become a gag writer, and soon after, he began directing and starring in two-reelers.

A Simple Sap (1928): A shopkeeper is trying to sell his store, but his bumbling clerk causes a chain reaction that leads to a slapstick battle with all of the merchandise getting destroyed. Starring Larry Semon, Jimmy Aurbrey, Billy Gilbert; directed by Hampton Del Ruth and Larry Semon.

Dummies (1928): A magician in a medicine show chases after a group of thieves to impress a pretty girl. Starring Larry Semon, Marie Astaire, Jim Donnelly; directed by Larry Semon.

Frauds and Frenzies (1918): Convict Larry and his pal, Stan Laurel, make a daring escape from the chain gang. Starring Larry Semon, Stan Laurel, Madge Kirby; directed by Larry Semon.

The Bakery (1921): An accident-prone baker wreaks havoc with workers and customers alike. Starring Larry Semon, Oliver Hardy, Jack Duffy; directed by Larry Semon and Norman Taurog.

• comedy