Series: Snub Pollard Director: George Jeske Producer: Hal Roach Titles: H.M. Walker Photography: Editor: Stars: Snub Pollard, Blanche Mehaffey, James Parrott Company: Pathé Exchange Released: 11 April 1926 Length: 1 reel Production No.: D-27 Filming dates: August 8-14, 1923 Rating: -/10

The Old War-Horse

Aubrey Littleneck (Snub Pollard) and Cyril Horntooter (James Parrott) are friendly neighbors with warring fathers during the civil war.  The fathers, who are in support for opposite sides in the war, exchange unpleasantries over the fence which separates their homes whilst their sons embrace warmly.  The two young men skip off down the street holding hands before signing up for opposite sides - Cyril to the North; Aubrey to the South. In a field, cannons roar, grenades are thrown and a game of cards is interrupted, whilst back home the feuding fathers continue their battle over their garden fence.  Cyril's sister (Blanche Mehaffey), who is in love with Aubrey, meets her brother in the field but they are captured by three soliders (Martin Wolfkeil, Sammy Brooks and I think Jack O'Brien?) and taken to their leader (Jack "not a real beard" Gavin). Aubrey, on the other hand ascends a steep hill armed with gunpowder and sneaks up on the enemy at the top, but after lighting the fuse the barrel rolls back down the hill.  Officer George Rowe helps his commanding officer Billy Engle by carrying his chair over for him despite being the target of cannon fire.  At the fort, Aubrey, Cyril and his sister are reunited and attempt to flee but are apprehended by the commanding officer.  Aubrey is put in front of the firing squad but he is saved by his sweetheart's framed picture inside his jacket which takes the brunt of one of the bullets.  He is spared a second shooting when news reaches the fort that the war is over.  Well, not for everyone it would seem.... four years later and the two fathers are still fighting over their garden fence!

Favourite bit Can you spot all three people in this scene?

Trivia • Copyrighted March 6, 1926. • This was the last Snub Pollard short film to be released by Hal Roach, three years after it was made. • Near the end when the three are reunited, I find it strange that Blanche Mehaffey clings lovingly to her brother rather than her lover.

	Snub Pollard Aubrey Littleneck
	Blanche Mehaffey General's daughter
	James Parrott Cyril Horntooter
	Billy Engle Solider playing cards
	Martin Wolfkeil Soldier
	Sammy Brooks Short soldier with rifle
	Jack Gavin Union officer
	George Rowe Union soldier
	Al Forbes Union soldier
	William Gillespie Abner Horntooter
	Jack O'Brien Firing squad soldier
	Noah Young [?]

UNIDENTIFIED CAST

INTERTITLES (click image to enlarge)

Acknowledgements: Dave Glass (review copy) Jesse Brisson (identification of Al Forbes, Jack O'Brien) This page was last updated on: 11 April 2023