A chronological journey through the films of the world's best loved comedy duo
'Two Tars' is a spectacular return to form for Laurel & Hardy - and thank goodness for that! This is exactly what was required following the confusing and, without wanting to sound melodramatic, traumatic experience of watching the boys' previous film 'Early to Bed' (see the blog for details). What a relief to read the … Continue reading 25. Two Tars (1928)
Filmed during the Spring of 1928, the opening scene of 'Should Married Men Go Home?' is one in contrast to reality. Here we see a picture of domestic bliss, as Ollie and his wife (played by Kay Deslys, returning for a second film in a row) sit cuddling on the sofa, yet behind closed doors … Continue reading 23. Should Married Men Go Home? (1928)
Forget Silas Barnaby, Walter Long, Noah Young, Tiny Sandford, Charlie Hall, even Jimmy Finlayson. Laurel & Hardy's biggest and certainly most intimidating nemesis had to be their on-screen wives! Although the boys had had female co-stars playing their girlfriends in earlier films and also whilst acknowledging that there would be better examples to come in … Continue reading 22. Their Purple Moment (1928)
Strangely, I want to write two very different reviews for 'You're Darn Tootin' and as I consider why this is, I'm struck by quite an interesting thought (to me anyway!). For my first viewing, I chose to watch the DVD copy contained within the Universal 21 disc boxed set and although I had many laughs, I … Continue reading 21. You’re Darn Tootin’ (1928)
One of the greatest elements that made Laurel & Hardy a huge success, not only during their own time, but for every subsequent generation, is their ability to connect with the audience. They had/have the ability to win us over, to disarm us, to gain our sympathy and importantly to make us see a little … Continue reading 20. From Soup to Nuts (1928)
Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant! Review over...just kidding. Although, what more needs to be said. The Finishing Touch is for me the best Laurel & Hardy silent film so far. It is Stan and Ollie at their best - with a job to do. No need for complex plots or witty dialogue/title cards - this is what … Continue reading 19. The Finishing Touch (1928)
The end of 1927 heralded a significant threat to Laurel & Hardy's careers, just as they were starting to take off. 'Leave 'Em Laughing' was released at the end of January 1928, but was written and filmed in October of the previous year - the very same month that saw the release, by Warner Bros., of … Continue reading 18. Leave ‘Em Laughing (1928)
