This Larry Semon two-reeler takes place in a Western town circa 1921 (in other words, it has both cowboys and automobiles). By day Gentleman Joe (Oliver Hardy) is a respectable citizen. But in reality he is Black Bart, who robs travelers with the help of his souped-up roadster. At the local dance hall, Joe/Bart is celebrating his new wealth by buying rounds of drinks and making an unwelcome pass at the lead dancer (Norma Nichols). Larry drives into town -- in fact, he literally drives into the saloon. He has arrived to deliver the mail, and a letter for the sheriff (Frank Alexander) contains a wanted poster for Black Bart. Joe/Bart knows the gig is up, so he takes as much loot as possible before escaping. Larry and the rest of the town chase after him, and he is finally caught when his car drives over a cliff. One of the film's better gags involves a car that, after being manhandled by Semon, gets revenge by chasing after him, even peeking around corners in an attempt to sneak up on the hapless comic.
by Janiss Garza
synopsis
