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Bert Wheeler (1950-1951)

Picture
Wheeler (L) and Woolsey with a friend in Columbia's feature SO THIS IS AFRICA (1933)
Bert Wheeler and Robert Woolsey were a very successful comedy team in the 1930's, having appeared in over 20 films and shorts together (including their only Columbia appearance as a team, SO THIS IS AFRICA).

When Robert Woolsey died in 1938, so did Bert's film career. He busied himself with stage and radio work, as well as an occasional film appearance.

While making some appearances on television's TEXACO STAR THEATER and CAVALCADE OF STARS, Jules White offered Bert the opportunity to headline a series of two-reelers at Columbia. "I gave him a job when nobody else wanted him" said White of his hiring of Wheeler (who was grateful for the employment).

The two shorts Bert headlined, INNOCENTLY GUILTY and THE AWFUL SLEUTH, are in our archives and available for review.




INNOCENTLY GUILTY (8/21/1950)

Production Number 4172
Director-Jules White.
Producer-Jules White
Story-Ewart Adamson
Screenplay-Jack White
Photography-Allen G. Seigler
Editor-Edwin H. Bryant
Art Director-Charles Clague

Additional Cast

Vernon Dent
Christine McIntyre
Nanette Bordeaux
Margie Liszt
Kathleen O'Malley
Joe Palma
Heine Conklin
William Irving

On a business trip, Bert innocently becomes involved with his bosses wife, which is further complicated by the arrival of Bert's own wife who tails him on suspicion of being unfaithful to her while out of town.

A remake of IT ALWAYS HAPPENS (1935) and HIS TALE IS TOLD (1944), both featuring Andy Clyde.

Reissued theatrically in January, 1959.

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THE AWFUL SLEUTH (4/19/1951)

Production Number 4173
Director-Richard Quine
Producer-Hugh McCollum
Original Story-Al Giebler and Elwood Ullman
Screenplay-Elwood Ullman
Photography-Allen Seigler
Editor-Henry DeMond
Art Director-Charles Clague

Additional Cast

Jean Willes,
Minerva Urecal
Ben Weldon
Tom Kennedy
Vernon Dent
Ralph Volkie

Soda jerk Bert, who has an obsession with detective story magazines, unwittingly aids three criminals.

A remake of Charley Chases THE BIG SQUIRT (1937).

Reissued theatrically in December, 1958.


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INNOCENTLY GUILTY (1950)
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