VIOLA RICHARD

Fin and Viola both wonder, do detectives think?

Born: January 26, 1904, Hamilton, Ontario
Died: December 28, 1973, Palm Springs, California
Appeared with Laurel and Hardy in 6, possibly 7, films.

Fondly remembered by Charlie Chase buffs as the naked lady in Chase's Limousine Love, Viola Richard also brightened up a handful of Laurel and Hardy's early silent efforts. Among her more prominent roles: the object of Stan and Ollie's affection in Flying Elephants, and James Finlayson's young, frightened wife in Do Detective Think? (pictured above). Richard was a lively and lovely asset to Laurel and Hardy's formative comedies and and it is regrettable that she was let go by Roach just before the filming of Should Married Men Go Home? A long forgotten actress whose career, as William K. Everson once theorized, may have been hindered by her resemblance to popular film star Clara Bow.

VIOLA RICHARD'S FILMS WITH LAUREL AND HARDY

Why Girls Love Sailors (Stan's fiancée)
Sailors, Beware! (Society lady)
Do Detectives Think? (Mrs. Foozle)
Leave 'Em Laughing (Nurse)
Flying Elephant's (Saxophonus' daughter)
Should Married Men Go Home? (One of the two golf course pick-ups)
Tit for Tat (Extra - unconfirmed)

Laurel and Hardy Central