Paul Merton's Silent Clowns

Paul Merton invites us to share his passion for silent comedy in this series of witty portrayals of some of early cinema's greatest stars.

Paul Merton invites us to share his passion for silent comedy in this series of witty portrayals of some of early cinema's greatest stars.

Paul Merton profiles some of the great stars of silent comedy. This edition focuses on Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, whose huge popularity today is due to the fact that they made the most successful transition to the talkies of any of the silent clowns. But it was in their less well-known silent films that the duo developed their distinctive style and trademark sense of comic timing.

Paul Merton profiles some of the great stars of silent comedy. This edition explores how Harold Lloyd pulled off his celebrated stunts and also tells the story of how a man of modest natural talents managed the journey from theatrical extra to comedy superstar.