Ben Turpin Rides Again on AllMovie

Ben Turpin Rides Again is an alternate title for Turpin's 1921 vehicle A Small Town Idol. Cross-eyed Ben Turpin plays an aspiring actor who heads to Hollywood. He stumbles and bumbles around, making life miserable for director Billy Bevan, but eventually hits the big time as a western star. Upon returning to his home town, he is inexplicably accused of murder, but manages to clear himself. Pert Phyllis Haver costars as Turpin's movie leading lady. No complete versions of the 5-reel Small Town Idol exist; the film is currently available only in its 2-reel abridgement form.