Lupino Lane Silent Comedy Collection, Volume 1 (DVD)

As limber as Harold Lloyd yet as lovable as Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton, Lupino Lane (1892-1959) was born Henry William George Lupino in London. During the heyday of silent comedy shorts, he headlined the popular series of "Lupino Lane Comedies" produced by Educational Pictures ("The Spice of the Program"). He often appeared with younger brother Wallace Lupino and directed many of these shorts (sometimes under the name "Henry W. George"), while others were directed by prolific comedy specialist Charles Lamont.

FANDANGO (1928): In the country of Bullonia, "The Lonesomest Man in Town" will win the girl of his dreams - if he can survive a climactic bullfight. Directed by Lupino Lane.

MAID IN MOROCCO (1925): While on his honeymoon, the groom runs afoul of the Caliph of Ginfez - who has 200 wives and wants to add the bride to his harem! Directed by Charles Lamont.

NAUGHTY BOY (1927): Young Johnny Jones agrees to pose as a small boy to help his father land a new wife. Directed by Charles Lamont.

ROAMING ROMEO (1928): Lupino Lane plays an escaped Roman slave who becomes the unlikeliest centurion in history when he finds himself battling gladiators. Directed by Henry W. George (Lupino Lane).

WHO'S AFRAID? (1927): After being locked in a museum overnight, timid Claude Chutney not only proves his manhood by battling an alligator, but winds up a hero when he nabs a wanted criminal. Directed By Charles Lamont.

PURELY CIRCUMSTANTIAL (1929): In one of Lupino Lane's early sound comedy shorts, he portrays Orville, a twitchy groom on his honeymoon. Directed by Lupino Lane.

• comedy