Amazon and eBay links may be affiliate links.
Thundering Toupees has this wacky charm that's hard to pin down. It’s essentially a lost Jean Harlow film, which already adds a layer of intrigue. The pacing is what you'd expect for a late silent transition, a mix of slapstick and clever visual gags that really play with the absurdity of hairpieces. The performances, especially Harlow’s, although we can't see them now, were said to be lively and comedic, showcasing her knack for physical comedy. The atmosphere is lively, full of the jazz age's vibrancy, and you can imagine the practical effects were all the rage back then, adding to the silliness. It’s fascinating to think about what this film could have offered to the era's cinema landscape, making it a point of interest for collectors.
Thundering Toupees, being a lost film, has this mystique that draws in collectors. It was made during a period when Harlow was rising, and her presence in a comedy like this certainly piques interest. Scarcity is a given here since no known prints exist, and that elevates its status among aficionados. Formats like 16mm and even VHS have surfaced occasionally, but nothing definitive remains, making it a real curiosity for anyone who studies early film history.
Streaming data powered by JustWatch
Have you seen this?
Rate it and share your take with other collectors.
Discover