I'm never sure what to expect when I launch one of these old Vitaphone shorts. Some are painfully modest acts, and then there are gems like this where an exuberant performer is able to really sell it.
The campy nature of Mr. De Pace's manner is the best part of it although he obviously plays his mandolin well. It brings to mind a combination of Harpo Marx, Chico Marx and the 1960's pop-star Tiny Tim. I wonder who influenced who?
This short is one of the restored Vitaphone films included on the 2007 DVD release of "the Jazz Singer" as bonus material. The sound quality is surprisingly good in view of the age of the material.
The campy nature of Mr. De Pace's manner is the best part of it although he obviously plays his mandolin well. It brings to mind a combination of Harpo Marx, Chico Marx and the 1960's pop-star Tiny Tim. I wonder who influenced who?
This short is one of the restored Vitaphone films included on the 2007 DVD release of "the Jazz Singer" as bonus material. The sound quality is surprisingly good in view of the age of the material.