Paul Merton's Silent Clowns

Paul Merton offers an insight into the lives of his silent comedy heroes, beginning with a profile of Buster Keaton whose deadpan expression became his trademark.

Paul Merton pays tribute to the silent-era star and provides an insight into the actor, director and composer's life. Paul also meets some of the people inspired by Chaplin's work.

Paul Merton profiles Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, whose huge popularity today is due to the fact that they made the most successful transition to the talkies of any of the silent clowns. But it was in their less well-known silent films that the duo developed their distinctive style and trademark sense of comic timing.

Paul Merton explores how Harold Lloyd pulled off his celebrated stunts and also tells the story of how a man of modest natural talents managed the journey from theatrical extra to comedy superstar.