Review of Down Memory Lane

This is a clever compilation of old Mack Sennett comedies, and it boasts two "firsts." It's the first feature-length comedy compilation, and it features the first screen appearance (1949) of the late Steve Allen, then a popular late-night disc jockey. Allen (sans glasses) appears as himself, a disc jockey on a live TV broadcast showcasing Mack Sennett comedies. Everything goes wrong -- Sennett doesn't show up on time, the film jumps from silent to sound and back again, the live commercials go haywire, etc. The framing device effectively introduces Sennett's favorite clips with W. C. Fields, Bing Crosby, Ben Turpin, Donald Novis, and Mabel Normand. DOWN MEMORY LANE is infrequently shown today, but if it comes your way, don't let the opportunity escape.