Zeb vs. Paprika
About Zeb vs. Paprika
The short spoofs the 20 October 1923 match race between American derby winner Zev and British winner Papyrus. Stan Laurel rides as Dippy Donawho for the British side, with James Finlayson as his trainer. Dippy seems to beat the American rival. Then the two jockeys learn they have been on each other's horses.
Cast & crew
More about Zeb vs. Paprika
Ralph Ceder directed for producer Hal Roach. Al Giebler wrote the script. Frank Young photographed, and Thomas J. Crizer edited. Pathé Exchange released the short on 16 March 1924.
Themes
Background
Zev, the Kentucky Derby winner, met Papyrus, winner of the Epsom Derby, in a much-publicized match at Belmont Park on 20 October 1923. Roach had a parody in theaters five months later.
Look
Frank Young photographed the racing comedy for Hal Roach.
Preservation
A print survives.
Notes
- The real Zev–Papyrus race, at Belmont, drew a crowd reported near 50,000.
- George Rowe plays the rival jockey. Eddie Baker is a stable hand. Ena Gregory is also in the cast.
- Charlie Hall, Billy Engle, and Sammy Brooks appear in smaller bits, as they often did in Roach comedies.
Scenes
- Dippy celebrates a win, then he and the rival jockey realize each has been riding the other's horse.
Influenced by
- The Zev–Papyrus match race of 20 October 1923
Also available
- Wikimedia Commons (Zeb Vs. Paprika (1924).webm)
