A Star Is Shorn 1939
In this 1939 comedy short, aspiring Hollywood agent Speedy Williams (Danny Webb) gets more than he bargained for when he tries to launch small-town starlet Hazel Hackenschmitt (Ethelreda Leopold) into the big leagues.
Director: Del Lord
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is A Star Is Shorn (1939) about?
The film follows Speedy Williams, a would-be Hollywood agent who tries to fast-track small-town beauty Hazel Hackenschmitt into stardom. His plan involves tricking a famous producer by presenting Patsy, Hazel's best friend, as a mystical seer with a third eye.
Who directed A Star Is Shorn?
Del Lord directed this 1939 comedy short. Known for his work in the Three Stooges films, Lord brought his signature brand of slapstick and quick wit to this underrated gem.
Who stars in A Star Is Shorn?
The film stars Danny Webb as Speedy Williams, Mary Treen as Patsy, and Ethelreda Leopold as Hazel Hackenschmitt, with Vernon Dent and Beatrice Blinn rounding out the cast.
Is A Star Is Shorn (1939) worth watching?
While it isn't a blockbuster, this 19-minute comedy delivers solid laughs and a glimpse into 1930s Hollywood satire. Fans of classic shorts and offbeat humor will likely find it a fun, nostalgic pick.
How long is A Star Is Shorn?
A Star Is Shorn runs for 19 minutes.
About A Star Is Shorn (1939) — A 1930s Comedy Short About Fame, Schemes, and Starry-Eyed Aspirations
In this 1939 comedy short, aspiring Hollywood agent Speedy Williams (Danny Webb) gets more than he bargained for when he tries to launch small-town starlet Hazel Hackenschmitt (Ethelreda Leopold) into the big leagues. Teaming up with her best friend Patsy (Mary Treen), Speedy crafts an outrageous plan to impress famed producer B.O. Botswaddle—who never makes a move without his astrologer's approval. Their scheme involves disguising Patsy as a mystic with a third eye, leading to a whirlwind of misunderstandings, slapstick chaos, and the kind of Hollywood satire that makes "A Star Is Shorn" a delightful time capsule of 1930s comedy. Directed by Del Lord, this quick 19-minute romp is packed with witty gags and the unmistakable charm of pre-war cinema.
Set against the backdrop of Golden Age Hollywood's larger-than-life personas, the film captures the absurd lengths people go to chase fame. With its fast-paced humor and lovable underdogs, "A Star Is Shorn (1939)" offers a lighthearted look at ambition, deception, and the wild world of movie dreams.