A visiting circus man calls on a Southern country doctor to cure his sick elephant; afterwards, the grateful beast becomes so attached to the doctor that it starts to follow him everywhere.A visiting circus man calls on a Southern country doctor to cure his sick elephant; afterwards, the grateful beast becomes so attached to the doctor that it starts to follow him everywhere.A visiting circus man calls on a Southern country doctor to cure his sick elephant; afterwards, the grateful beast becomes so attached to the doctor that it starts to follow him everywhere.
- Zero
- (as Step'n Fetchit)
- Dehlia
- (as Hattie McDaniels)
- Zeke
- (as Phillip Hurlic)
- Church Choir
- (as The Hall Johnson Choir)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThis film was originally developed as a Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy vehicle, but was re-scripted after Stan Laurel, whose contract with Hal Roach had run out, declined to re-sign with the producer. Hardy's contract was still in force, and the team believed that if they waited until it expired, they could re-sign as a team and be in a stronger bargaining position. Ultimately that is what happened.
- Quotes
Dr. Tibbett: Oh, Zeke, where are you?
Zeke: Here I is.
Dr. Tibbett: You get the boots shined?
Zeke: Ya sah
Dr. Tibbett: Oh, that's fine. Let's put 'em on.
Zeke: Dr. Tibbett, will I ever turn white?
Dr. Tibbett: Oh, I'm afraid not, Zeke. Why?
Zeke: Well, I'm never gonna be nothin' else 'cept just what I am, only bigger?
Dr. Tibbett: Well, what's wrong with being just what you are?
Zeke: Just that all the other little boys around, they can go to parties, like the party tonight. Cause they're white. And I can't, cause I'm not.
Dr. Tibbett: Listen, Zeke, you don't go to white folks parties. I don't go to colored folks parties. But, that makes no real difference. You understand?
Zeke: No sah.
Dr. Tibbett: Well, Zeke, its like this, you know that medicine kit down in my office?
Zeke: Ya sah.
Dr. Tibbett: Well, there's black pills in it and there's white pills in it. And they're both good kinds of pills. Some people couldn't do without one kind and some couldn't do without the other. You understand?
Zeke: No sah.
Dr. Tibbett: Well, I'll put it another way then. You know next to that medicine kit, what hangs in that big frame over the desk?
[Referring to a copy of the Declaration of Independence]
Zeke: Ya sah.
Dr. Tibbett: Well, that just isn't about countries. That's about people, all kinds. Like black pills, white pills, red, yellow, all colors. What that tells us is, that ALL people can find life, liberty and happiness. You understand now?
Zeke: No sah, not exactly.
Dr. Tibbett: Come here Zeke. Did you ever own a quarter?
Zeke: No sah.
Dr. Tibbett: Well, you go down in that office and learn a little bit of that everyday and when you get it all learned by heart, I'm going to give you this quarter. Do you understand that?
Zeke: Yes sir!
- Alternate versionsColorized version is cut to 65 minutes.
- ConnectionsReferenced in Of Mice and Men (1939)
- SoundtracksI Dreamt I Dwelt in Marble Halls
(1843) (uncredited)
From the operetta "The Bohemian Girl"
Music by Michael William Balfe
Lyrics by Alfred Bunn
Sung by Oliver Hardy and Billie Burke with Burke on piano
However, the film lacks the balance of a true Laural and Hardy film, as Hardy is definitely in the leading role. And, fortunately, Hardy does a pretty good job as the kindly doctor who is befriended by an elephant and he's able to carry this amiable film. Additionally, the movie is very interesting because in a supporting role (one that could have been played by Stan Laurel) was the silent film comedian, Harry Langdon. As there are few of his films still in existence, this is one of the rare chances you'll get to see,...as well as hear him. The story itself is pretty silly but handled so well, you probably will forgive this.
Despite being a story about an Elephant that falls in love with Hardy, about the only thing you may not like about the film is Stepin Fetchit--the horribly stereotyped Black actor who made a career out of playing some who is dumb and lazy. It's quite a contrast to the role played by Philip Hurlic as 'Zeke'--a smart, precocious and cute Black child. At least there were contrasts, as most of Fetchit's earlier roles provided nothing to balance the negative image.
- planktonrules
- Oct 7, 2006
- Permalink
- How long is Zenobia?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Runtime1 hour 13 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.37 : 1
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