The Merry Widower (1926)

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Synopsis by Janiss Garza

This Hal Roach two-reel comedy was originally meant as a starring vehicle for Clyde Cook, but Cook left the studio so the film was re-written as an All-Star comedy featuring Tyler Brooke, James Finlayson, and Ethel Clayton. Finlayson is off on a hunting trip, leaving his wife (Clayton) home alone, bored. A neighbor (Brooke) takes advantage of the situation by first flirting with the wife, then boldly inviting himself over. Finlayson finally gets home and goes after the sneaky neighbor. A crowd gathers that is sympathetic to the neighbor, so Finlayson leaves and fakes suicide. He becomes a cab driver while his supposed widow and Brooke try to find a body so they can collect the life insurance. They hire a clairvoyant (Jerry Mandy) to help them, and he just happens to hail Finlayson's cab. When Fin discovers the purpose of his trip, he trades places with him and gives his wife and her sweetheart a frightening -- and very funny -- encounter from the beyond. Charley Chase has a cameo appearance.