Based on their three dozen short films of various lengths for RKO, Bobby Clark (he of the greasepaint eyeglasses, flourishing a cigar, was the center of the act. Paul McCullough, dressed like superannuated fraternity nitwit, took the role of an overgrown puppy happily following alpha dog Clark through various rambunctious adventures that justified their billing; "Never a help; always a hindrance." Clark & McCullough had been a team since boyhood-in circus, burlesque, vaudeville and Broadway revues and musical comedies. According to some who saw the partners before they won the big-time, claimed Paul McCullough originally was the duo's lead. Both circus trained, Clark especially manifested physical agility in their films. Gradually Paul slipped out of the spotlight into a supporting role that gave Bobby someone to pitch to who could catch.
Odor in the Court sounds like a Three Stooges film, but plays more madcap surreal--like Olsen & Johnson. Bobby Clark and Groucho Marx were considered to portray similar comic sociopaths. (Which came first: Bobby Clark's use of greasepaint eyeglasses or Groucho's greasepaint moustache? Clark & McCullough are several rungs above the Stooges, and several floors above the ill-matched and earthbound Wheeler & Woolsey. Odor in the Court (and Alibi Bye Bye) make fast-moving, zany introductions to Clark & McCullough.