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When I began work on my Mabel Normand Source Book in the early nineties, there were few silent films stars still around to interview. Yet one who was was Anita Garvin, and who'd appeared with Mabel in the Hal Roach two-reeler "Raggedy Rose" (1926). She was more well known, however, for starring in a number of Laurel and Hardy silent shorts. Following the lead of Sam Gill of the Margaret Herrick Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Library, I went to see her at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital. For my subsequently published chat with her, see here. One odd thing she mentioned to me, and that I hadn't included, was that at the time she was first admitted to the Country House and Hospital some unknown member(s) of the staff made off with the jewelry she was wearing when she was asleep, and which, not surprisingly, utterly dismayed and astounded her. Let such be a heads-up and caution if you or loved ones are ever placed in an elderly care facility. Needless to add, it was a great honor and pleasure to speak with such a charming and wonderful lady, and I will ever prize the memory.

Meantime, I chanced not long ago to come across on YouTube a guest appearance of Anita at a Laurel and Hardy "Sons of the Desert" convention in Feb. 1979, and which is posted here below. To find your local "tent," or for those who don't have one and are still interested in joining the world renown L&H fraternity, see their headquarters website at: http://www.wayoutwest.org/tents/utopia.html

["Anita Garvin Meets The Sons of the Desert"]

Swanson in "Manhandled" (1924)

One of the reasons Gloria Swanson wanted to leave Mack Sennett when she did is that she did not want to become just another, or Sennett's next, Mabel Normand. It was not till "Manhandled" (1924), directed by Alan Dwan and produced for Paramount, did she return to comedy. And yet it was in several respects a film markedly similar to a Mabel Normand feature comedy; such as some of those Mabel did for Goldwyn and not so different from a couple of her Sennett features. Apparently, and one would surmise, ordinary-folk audiences liked Gloria very much, but perhaps wanted her to see her portrayed in a comic, working gal sort of role; such as had become pretty standard for the likes of Mabel, Mary Pickford, Mae Murray, Colleen Moore, and others. Well, if so, in "Manhandled" they got their wish. And once again, we are reminded watching it what a fine comedienne Gloria was; even if the film, with its relentless and hurried pacing, otherwise seems (pun intended) to manhandle her. The film is also memorable for a sequence in which she imitates Charlie Chaplin -- something she was, of course, to do again years later in "Sunset Boulevard." Unfortunately, and to my knowledge at least (though which may be flawed), that particular footage in the film is lost; though there are some stills from it; such as the one above.

Meantime, if you haven't already seen "Manhandled," it's available in somewhat cut-down form on YouTube at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDpMyebqwAw

If we ever hear of a better print being found or become available, we'll let you know.