A farceur par excellence, Edward Horton (1880-1970) became an indispensable figure in Hollywood films of the 1930s and 1940s. By the 1960s a whole new generation discovered him as the narrator in “Fractured Fairy Tales” on TV. I also recall him a co-host on the Mike Douglas Show. Horton seemed indefatigable but today his extensive stage appearances and radio work are all but forgotten. As if on cue, this month will unveil Eddie’s long-unseen silent film work showcasing his delightful series of two-reel comedies, freshly restored, accompanied by new music scores, and looking better than when they were new in the 1920s.
(Disclaimer: I have no relationship to the DVD set. I’m just an old Eddie Horton fan).
Horton kept busy with filmmaking throughout the 30s and 40s but also continued with his theater work between making films. Recently, I came across this 15-minute live interview from 1940, apparently unscripted, where Horton publicizes his local appearance on the stage as the star of SPRINGTIME FOR HENRY. He’s quite the raconteur!
This is a newspaper ad that was published wherever Eddie was appearing in the play:
Here are a series of portraits dating from his silent film days through the 30s. Color by Moi:
Horton with Florence Vidor in MARRY ME (1925)
And last but not least:
OLD HOLLYWOOD IN COLOR 