Rare archival photos from the Hal Roach and Columbia Pictures eras. Key Works to Look For
The Charley Chase MegaPack is a comprehensive collection of films that showcases the comedian's impressive range and enduring legacy. Through his work, Chase continues to entertain audiences and inspire new generations of comedians. His contributions to the development of comedy are a testament to his innovative spirit and his ability to craft engaging, memorable characters. As a pioneering comedian, actor, and writer, Charley Chase remains an important figure in the history of comedy, and his work continues to delight audiences to this day.
This collection serves as a definitive archive for film historians and classic comedy enthusiasts, often compiling dozens of his most influential shorts and features into a single, accessible format. The Legacy of Charley Chase
This article is your ultimate guide to everything Charley Chase. We'll explore the story of the man who was once as famous as Babe Ruth, dive into the best DVD and Blu-ray box sets available, and show you why his films are the perfect addition to any serious comedy collection. Charley Chase MegaPack
Born Charles Parrott in 1893, he was the older brother of director James Parrott (and uncle to future TV star Hal Smith—Otis on The Andy Griffith Show ). But his legend begins at the Hal Roach studio in the mid-1920s.
“Finally. The missing link between silent slapstick and sitcom smooth-talk. Watch one Chase short and you’ll see the DNA of I Love Lucy and The Dick Van Dyke Show .” –
A classic "morning after" comedy. Chase wakes up late for his wedding. He must drive across town in his pajamas while a dead body keeps falling out of his car. It is frantic, high-speed, and brilliantly edited. Rare archival photos from the Hal Roach and
Films he directed under his real name, Charles Parrott, showcasing his brilliant eye for timing.
If he was so great, why isn't he a household name today?
Charley is trying to impress his boss, hide a harmless secret from his wife, or navigate a busy department store. His contributions to the development of comedy are
Opening the is like walking into a forgotten comedy vault. Here are the headlining shorts you absolutely cannot miss:
Much of Chase’s finest work had vanished from the vaults; the camera negatives are gone. The "MegaPacks" represent years of detective work by private collectors and film historians to reclaim his art from wherever it survived—be it a 16mm print in someone’s attic or a 35mm print at MoMA. When you buy these box sets, you aren't just buying entertainment; you are supporting film preservation.