Rediscovering Pokes & Jabbs: A Journey into Silent Comedy

If you think you’ve seen it all in classic comedy, think again! Dust off your antique film projector, because "Pokes & Jabbs: 12 Comedy Shorts" is here to revive the zany antics of two lesser-known silent film stars: Bobby Burns and Walter Stull. Long before Stan Laurel teamed up with Oliver Hardy, Burns held the starring role, with Hardy himself lurking in the supporting shadows. This fresh Blu-ray collection brings twelve forgotten shorts back into the limelight—perfect for both curious cinephiles and nostalgic comedy lovers.

Meet the Comedic Duo

In the Pokes & Jabbs world, Bobby Burns, sporting a comically oversized top hat and tails, plays Pokes—an endearing mustachioed fellow who finds himself in continuous pratfalls and ridiculous situations. Stull, his equally mustachioed counterpart, takes on the role of Jabbs, often clad in a dapper checked suit. While they might lack the nuanced characterization of their more famous contemporaries, these two managed to deliver genuine laughter amid their spirited escapades.

Why They’ve Been Overlooked

Let’s be real—Pokes & Jabbs may not be in the same comedic league as Laurel & Hardy or the Three Stooges. Their sketches often tumble into the realm of chaotic slapstick, and a lack of depth in the storyline might just be why modern audiences haven’t embraced them fully. Still, the collection features some genuinely hilarious moments that prove both Burns and Stull had a creative spark worth reviving.

Highlights from the Collection

• A Visit to Lively Town (1912): This five-minute gem kicks off the collection. Instead of their usual personas, Burns and Stull don the roles of two naïve farmhands making their way to Atlantic City. The clever cinematography enhances the humor as they move at normal speed while the bustling city blurs in rapid motion—a brilliant visual gag that stands the test of time.

• A Pair of Birds (1915): In this short, the duo captures the hilarity of two escapees who find themselves squeezed into a single oversized suit. The absurdity of their transformation and antics will have you guffawing.

• Pressing Business (1915): This one follows Burns in a frantic chase around a hotel—wearing nothing but his undergarments. The chaos is palpable, showcasing the pair’s knack for physical comedy.

• Jolly Tars (1917): Transitioning into a new production company, this short finds the pair as sailors engaging in synchronized hornpipe dances, creating a light-hearted atmosphere perfect for a modern audience.

A Cinematic Time Capsule

What’s fascinating about these shorts is their gender representation. Female characters, played by women like Ethel Burton and Jobyna Ralston, are given equal spotlight, throwing themselves into the comedic fray alongside the boys. It’s a delightful contrast that adds depth to the comedic landscape.

Final Thoughts: A Hidden Gem Worth Noting

Sure, Burns and Stull may be more footnotes in the annals of cinema history than headline acts, but "Pokes & Jabbs: 12 Comedy Shorts" deserves your attention. As part of a new initiative by Split Reel—previously a book publisher—this collection aims to rekindle interest in the often-overlooked corners of film history.

With 2K restorations sourced from the Library of Congress and lively piano scores accompanying many of the films, there’s never been a better opportunity to dig into these early comic capers. So gather your friends, prepare for some classic slapstick, and see why these two comedic pioneers still have the power to charm and amuse. As Burns once quipped, “What, and quit show biz?”—let’s give them their moment to shine!

Jamie Li

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