On the Loose (1931)
7/10
An amazingly watchable and fun Zasu Pitts/Thelma Todd film!
30 August 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Thelma and Zasu are sick and tired of going on dates with cheapskates who insist on taking them to Coney Island instead of a real fancy date. So, when they meet up with a couple sophisticated Englishmen, they assume (incorrectly) that they're going some place swanky. Instead, you see them endure yet another day at this park by the sea.

The biggest star of this film was its location--Coney Island. Here in the 21st century, it's a real nostalgic treat, as you get to see an amusement park of yesteryear--with it's great fun houses and rides. The other big plus was the film's gentle nature that didn't feature the usual forced laughs, but was more like a leisurely stroll. Plus it didn't hurt that it had a surprise cameo towards the end of the short film.

The fact that I gave this short a 7 is a minor miracle, as I usually hate the Thelma Todd/Zasu Pitts (as well as Thelma Todd/Pasty Kelly) films. This was a third-string comedy team with Hal Roach Studios and most of their films are unfunny duds. However, this one has a lot going for it--even if it isn't chock full of laughs.
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