"Oh, Lackaday and Misery Me!"

Isn't the internet wonderful? Here, in its entirety, is His Royal Highness (1932) starring George Wallace, Australia's most popular comedian of the late 20s and early 30s. The film fits neatly in among such better known depression-era "crazy kingdom" comedies as Duck Soup, Million Dollar Legs and Cracked Nuts (did I say better known?). Wallace himself is an engaging and often endearing comic who shares much in common, both in looks and style, with Hugh Herbert. And yet he dances like Bert Wheeler. Amazing.

George Wallace?

And the obscure classic comedians just keep a-coming! Meet George Wallace, reportedly Australia's most popular depression-era comic. He's rather like an Aussie proto-Costello. I'd love to see more, but these clips are all I've found thus far.

His Royal Highness (1932) George is no slouch when it comes to storytelling, pratfalls, and dancing. The material may be weak, but he knows how to sell it.

His Royal Highness (1932) Wadayaknow.. An Australian "crazy kingdom" social satire released between Cracked Nuts and Duck Soup. Shades of Hugh Herbert.

His Royal Highness (1932) "Daddy smack!"

Absolutely excellent interplay between Wallace and a straightman in this clip from Harmony Row (1933).

Harmony Row (1933) Wow.. Just.. Wow. Pathos? Comedy? Both? Neither? The little boy is Bill Kerr, later a regular on Hancock's Half Hour in the 50s.



Harmony Row (1933) George does a seemingly partially improvised comedy boxing routine before a highly appreciative audience.