In Wise Guys Prefer Brunettes stuffy college dean JAMES FINLAYSON wants to shut down the “outrageous” female behavior – until he sits on Ted Healy’s rejuvenation plaster and becomes young again!
Wise Guys Prefer Brunettes (1926) starring James Finlayson, Helene Chadwick, Ted Healy
Wise Guys Prefer Brunettes is a fast-paced, funny silent film. It’s interesting to see James Finlayson apart from Laurel and Hardy — although Stan Laurel directed the short, he doesn’t appear in it. The basic story has the Dean of a small college, “appalled” by the “brazen” goings on at Helene’s frock shop. A funny look back at how attitudes have changed over time, but even back in 1926 it would hardly be scandalous. But no matter! He’s determined to shut it down.
Until perennial student Ted Healy invents a rejuvenation mustard plaster, that the Dean accidentally sits on! Feeling young again, and feeling his oats, he’s the one who’s now acting improperly! And vengeance is a dish best served cold …
The video’s embedded at the bottom of the page for anyone who wants to enjoy it for themselves.
Cast of characters
- Helene Chadwick (It’s A Gift) … Helene
- James Finlayson (Big Business) … Dean of Pinkham University (as Jimmie Finlayson)
- Ted Healy (Mad Love; Plane Nuts) … Napolean Fitz
- Burr McIntosh … The President
- Charlotte Mineau (Behind the Screen) … The Matron
Additional cast
- Tyler Brooke … Faculty Member (uncredited)
- William Courtright … Faculty Member (uncredited)
- Helen Gilmore (Two Tars) … Undetermined Secondary Role (uncredited)
- Clara Guiol (Double Whoopee) … Co-Ed (uncredited)
- Virginia Roye … Co-Ed (uncredited)
- Martha Sleeper (Days of Thrills and Laughter) … Co-Ed (uncredited)
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