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A secret hair-removal formula turns a barber battle into chaos. What could go wrong?
TMDB
80
IMDb
52

Once Over Lightly (1938)

slapstick chaospre-war zaninessworkplace rivalry

Overview

Comedy

The big Barber College competition between rivals Clipton and Beardsley is coming up and everything is on the line for professor and coach Kapouris. But thanks to a secret depilatory he developed, Clipton has the edge.

Flag of USUS
Content warning
short filmbarber

Standout Aspects

Acting

Billy Gilbert's explosive Greek professor routine steals every frame.

Practical Effects

Ingenious 1930s hair-gag mechanics that CGI still can't replicate.

Best for:Background: Perfect laundry-folding companion that demands zero commitment.·Friends: Pre-game warm-up before a longer comedy night.
Will Jason

Director

Will Jason

ReleasedDec 17, 1938
Runtime19m
StatusReleased

Vibe

Pacefast
Intensitymedium
Tonelight
Feellight
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Top Cast

Billy Gilbert

Billy Gilbert

Professor Dimitrius Kapouris

Dixie Dunbar

Dixie Dunbar

Judy Kapouris

Johnny Downs

Johnny Downs

Bob Bradley

Frank Melton

Frank Melton

Joe Stevens

Edward LeSaint

Edward LeSaint

Dean

Tommy Mack

Tommy Mack

Stadium Announcer

Ask about Once Over Lightly

Opens AI chat

Deep Dive

Trivia, insights & behind the scenes

Trivia

Billy Gilbert's 'Greek professor' was a recurring type he perfected in over 200 shorts; this was his 47th film in just seven years.

Cultural

The 'barber college' craze peaked in Depression-era America when haircutting became a viable trade escape route; this short cashed in hard.

Reviews

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