Hal Roach Studios produced some great comedy in the 1920s and 30s--with the likes of Laurel & Hardy, Charley Chase, Harold Lloyd and the Little Rascals. However, they also produced a few teams which are mostly forgotten today (such as The Boy Friends and the Thelma Todd shorts)--and for the most part I can easily understand why these minor comedies have become obscure. As for Thelma Todd, the studio first paired her with Zasu Pitts who simpered like Olive Oyle. Then, to try to rejuvenate the series they replaced Pitts with the very, very, very loud and brash Patsy Kelly. While some seem to like their films based on reviews of their films, I rather disliked them, as they were clearly using scripts and directors that were beneath the 'big talent'.
"Opened By Mistake" is not a terrible film--though this is far from a glowing endorsement. It's pretty typical of the team's films--Patsy horribly overacts and Thelma mostly just stands around doing nothing. It starts off with Patsy deservedly being fired from her job. She then inexplicably wanders off to the hospital where Thelma works--seemingly just to make a nuisance of herself. Thelma is on thin ice on this job and does her best to hide her friend--who is then mistaken as a very sick patient--one in need of an operation. The film has many gags--most of which fall flat (such as the anesthesia scene) but it still isn't bad viewing...just not very good either. My advice is to see ALL of Laurel & Hardy's, Charley Chase's and Harold Lloyd. Then, if you are so inclined, try this film!
