Mack Sennett Sensations (Silent) (DVD)

Producer Mack Sennett's Keystone Studios of Edendale, California created the classic comedy of the silent era, making stars of Mabel Normand, Charlie Chaplin, Gloria Swanson, The Keystone Cops, W.C. Fields and others. Sennett's mix of slapstick and insane car chases was extremely popular. The amazingly prolific producer had over 1,000 films to his credit when he retired.

THE RIVALS (aka A Strong Revenge) (1913): Suitors battle for Mabel's affections at the dance with one of the earliest known stink-bombs: a foul parcel of Limburger cheese. Mack Sennett appears as Schnitz. Stars Mabel Normand, Ford Sterling; Directed by Mack Sennett.

DIZZY HEIGHTS AND DARING HEARTS (1915): Its spy vs.spy as government agents compete to buy the latest fighter plane. This comedy features some amazing early special-effects action sequences. Stars Chester Conklin; Directed by Walter Knight.

HOLLYWOOD KID (1924): Dirty tricks abound as competing Hollywood agents are trying to sign the next big child star. Mack Sennett appears as himself. Stars Charlie Murray; Directed by Roy Del Ruth & Del Lord.

LIZZIES OF THE FIELD (1924): A $25,000 prize lures the best drivers and the strangest machines into a wild car race. This production features extremely creative chase sequence special effects. Stars Billy Bevan, Sidney Smith, Jack Lloyd, Andy Clyde; Directed by Del Lord.

• comedy