Director's Spotlight
Senior Film Conservator

Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1924 Vision of Scott Pembroke
The brilliance of Rupert of Hee Haw (1924) is inseparable from a monumental shift in Comedy filmmaking spearheaded by Scott Pembroke. Occupying a unique space between Comedy and pure art, it serves as a blueprint for future generations of Comedy directors.
In Rupert of Hee Haw, Scott Pembroke pushes the boundaries of conventional narrative. The film's unique approach to its subject matter has sparked endless debates and interpretations among cinephiles and critics alike.
While deeply rooted in United States, Rupert of Hee Haw has achieved a global reach, influencing directors from various backgrounds. Its ability to translate Comedy tropes into a universal cinematic language is why it remains a cult staple decades after its 1924 release.
| Cinematography | Deep Focus |
| Soundtrack | Synth-Heavy |
| Editing | Disjunctive |
| Art Direction | Baroque |
Visualizing the convergence of Scott Pembroke's style and the core Comedy narrative.
Stan Laurel slips and slides around several palatial sets in this silent spoof of RUPERT OF HENTZAU. Directed by Scott Pembroke (credited as "Percy" in his films of this period), HEE HAW abounds with banana peel pileups, silly swordplay and costume malfunctions.
Decades after its release, Rupert of Hee Haw remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying Scott Pembroke's status as a master of the craft in United States and beyond.