Two-reel sound short — 18 mins.
Christie Film Company / Dir. William Watson
Production: September 1929
Release date: December 14, 1929
Survival/release status: Extant; available to watch online. Original 16mm print has been restored by the Library of Congress, but despite the short entering the public domain, there is yet to be a physical release as of 2026. Fingers crossed!
Cast: Will King (Dave Finkel), Dot Farley (Claire Finkel), Billy Bevan (George Downing), Natalie Joyce (Mrs. Edward Langtry), Otto Fries (Mr. Edward Langtry), Jean Harlow (Blonde Nightclub Patron), Rolfe Sedan (Nightclub Patron).
Summary: Perpetually tardy birthday boy (Dave Finkel) is whisked away to a nightclub for a late birthday celebration after he misses the party his family planned for him. A series of comical distractions prevent him from showing up on time or getting his birthday dinner, including a brief flirtatious interaction with a young Jean Harlow.
Trivia:
- Jean Harlow’s last ever comedy short before hitting it big with Hell’s Angels in late 1929. Weak But Willing was filming at Metropolitan Studios (today Sunset Las Palmas Studios on Las Palmas Avenue in Los Angeles) at the same time as Hell’s Angels. Here, James Hall ran into Harlow, and arranged for her to meet Howard Hughes to test for the role of Helen.
Stills and ad art:
Harlow Heaven 