Laurel and Hardy, one of Hollywood’s greatest double act. Generations of film fans have witnessed their slapstick humour, the Music Box falling down the stairs or “another fine mess”. I recall distinctly a time when their short films, of which 106 were made, were still a mainstay on daytime BBC television well into the 2000s. There was a time, however, when the duo hadn’t yet found each other; When they were just two actors taking parts. This latest release taps into their early screen work together, in a film era still dominated by silent film.
Eureka Entertainment has released a Blu-Ray set which chronicles the early screen appearances of the comedy duo. The Silent Years (1927) features thirteen shorts from the year, plus two earlier screen appearances. It is presented in a two-disc Blu-Ray set and is part of the company’s Masters of Cinema series.
The Earliest Films
The earliest film is The Lucky Dog from 1921, a Stan Laurel-led picture that happens to feature Oliver Hardy. Previously thought to be lost, the oldest film looks good for its age but does suffer from some contemporaneous quality issues. I’m sure something could have been done to improve the framerate or occasional damage, but they’ve rightly chosen to leave it as it is. Its inclusion is worth it just for the first glimpse of the duo together, and their chemistry instantly shining.
The 1926 film 45 Minutes to Hollywood includes appearances by Stan and Ollie, though they do not share scenes. Hardy, in a supporting role, engages in considerable slapstick while wearing a towel. While the humour and special effects may not have aged well, it remains an interesting artifact offering a peek into the Hollywood of that era. It may not be frequently revisited by enthusiasts, but it’s a valuable addition to the collection.
If this release is intended to eventually spawn remasters of the whole filmography in production order, the people responsible have to be applauded for trying to be thorough from the start.
1927
These films were produced by Hal Roach and distributed by Pathe then MGM. They were mostly directed by Fred Guiol. Clyde Bruckman serves as a director on three films. The titles were mostly written by H.M. Walker.
1927 begins with the two actor’s appearance in Duck Soup, a film once classed as lost. Culminated together by several surviving elements, this film is looking in fine form. This is the first film in which we see Stan and Oliver as equals who actually have a cohesive relationship. Its a story of two vagrants who, in their efforts to run away from the authorities, land in digs where the owner isn’t home. The scenes involving the potential tenants are classic Laurel and Hardy, with the former dressed as a maid. The film is silent, orchestrated by a piano soundtrack, yet has the comedic quips of a sound picture.
The next film, Slipping Wives, is technically a Priscilla Dean picture, with Stan and Oliver in the small cast of players. Laurel is cast as a man duped into purposely flirting with the lead to make her husband jealous, it’s a story both innocent yet quite racy for its time. The film showcases several trademarks that would become synonymous with Laurel and Hardy; they engage in physical comedy, culminating in one getting soaked in paint; and for the first time, they are seen sharing a bed onscreen. This production has been circulating for years but has never looked better.
Love ‘Em and Weep is the story of a married man, played by mainstay James Finlayson, whose past comes back to haunt him when an old flame arrives in his office. Laurel acts as his aide, and attempts to help his boss keep things a secret. It’s a funny film on its own merits, with a typical premise executed with perfection. Firm fans will notice the prominent appearance of Mae Busch, who would later appear as Hardy’s wife in a number of Laurel and Hardy films. It’s a similar situation with Why Girls Love Sailors, a fun romp notable for the first appearance of Anita Garvin, a prolific actress who would later appear in the Laurel and Hardy series.
From With Love and Hisses onward, Stan and Oliver’s screen time together increased significantly, with subtle details falling into place, gradually approaching the iconic formula. Laurel’s renowned panicked expression, Hardy’s distinctive moustache, and the duo’s gentle physical comedy directed at one another all become more prominent.
Although the storyline may not pass a political correctness test, Sailors, Beware is one of the best Stan Laurel performances on this set. Its a joy to see him play detective, and leads nicely into Do Detectives Think?: The film that truly feels like the series has arrived. The bowler hats and crumpled suits are present, as is the feeling that these two are now a double act. The ambitious yet clever Flying Elephants deviates from the emerging formula, taking ideas of cavemen in different directions. Similarly the shortest film on the set Sugar Daddies embodies an unexpected narrative complexity, and packed stunts, topped off by the performances of the rising duo.
The establishing formula returns with The Second 100 Years, a Laurel and Hardy-led short with a very close resemblance to their later work. The visual quality of this film fluctuates, seemingly between sources, but still has a lot of clarity across the board.
Laurel and Hardy appear uncredited for the Max Davidson vehicle Call of the Cuckoo, alongside other known faces of the time. Their screen time is limited, but Stan and Ollie’s performances bring humour, complete with shaven heads from making the previous film. Putting Pants on Philip is the first official teaming of the pair, and looks great.
The final film in this set was released on the 31st of December 1927, The Battle Of The Century. Most of the production is present, except for a scene where the narrative gaps are filled with still photographs. These are momentary, and it isn’t long before moving images return. One of the best films on the set, the massive public pie fight at the end is a masterpiece.
Picture
Alongside the notes given above, the presentation of these restorations is outstanding. The work of Blackhawk films and Lobster Films appears extensive, and it shows on screen. Combining together pieces of film from several sources must have been a hard task, especially as they can look different.
The viewing experience isn’t affected because each frame of the film looks its best while maintaining its original charm. They could have tried to modernize the image by correcting perceived faults, but they chose not to, the best decision. These films have never looked better, with as much detail as can be attained from a 97 year old film.
Sound
The scores of these films have been composed by several different silent film composers, including Neil Brand, Antonio Coppola, Eric le Guen and Donald Sosin. Some of them sound like contemporary recordings, while others seem sonically closer to the age of the film. A few of the films also include drum hits or sound effects like noises to emphasise action. Putting Pants on Philip contains an alternative soundtrack, which helps to establish how music can change the feel of a motion picture.
Is There Anything Missing?
As things go, it’s a miracle that most of the shorts of Laurel and Hardy have survived. Prints have turned up over the decades, cementing their place as a viewable piece of film history. Unfortunately, one film from 1927 hasn’t been found and is still missing. The 20-minute film Hats Off is much desired by the fan community but is sadly not present in this set. The other absent production is the Charley Chase led I’ll Tell One, in which the full film doesn’t exist. Given these films are nearly 100 years old, its a marvel that more aren’t missing.
Special Features
This box set contains a plethora of special features and extra nuggets. I am astounded by the amount on offer, and the obvious attempt to add further value to the presentation of these historic films.
Upon inserting a disc, a menu appears that corresponds with the case’s artwork. Users can opt to watch a short film or explore the special features. Remarkably, each short film includes a commentary track, a rare but appreciated addition for such a release.
Before each film
Clicking on each short reveals a brief description detailing the film’s restoration process and the origins of each print. Additionally, there are annotations regarding any alterations, such as reconstructions that may have been necessary.
Extras
There are two archive interviews with Stan Laurel, plus a piece on their visit to the UK in 1932. There is also, a new contextual piece by Neil Brand. With each short is a stills gallery.
In addition, a number of super 8 versions of some shorts, which come under different titles due to their shorter runtime.
Booklet
Lastly, a collector’s booklet featuring newly written notes on each film by writer and comedian Paul Merton, and a new essay by silent cinema expert Imogen Sara Smith.
Conclusion
This set demonstrates the journey these two performers went on, as told through their films. Starting as two known actors who gradually find themselves paired up, and then branded. It takes several films before the image we have today begins to surface.
Even without the obvious connection, this collection represents the style of comedy film they were making in the mid to late 20s. The rudimentary techniques, such as occasional drips of animation to emphasise without sound, somehow still retain their original charm.
Those looking for latter day Laurel and Hardy featuring bowler hats and catchphrases, might have to wait a bit longer It’ll most likely be another (fine) set before the sound films get an airing, as these are (pleasingly) in chronological production order.
Fans young and old will love the care taken to assemble this set, and the historic contents within. To be able to see the first flourishes of the Laurel and Hardy partnership take shape gradually in such clarity is joyful. Highly recommended. Laurel & Hardy: The Silent Years 1927 is available to order from Eureka Entertainment
Films included in this release:
- The Lucky Dog (1921)
- 45 Minutes to Hollywood (1926)
- Duck Soup
- Slipping Wives
- Love ‘Em and Weep
- Why Girls Love Sailors
- With Love and Hisses
- Sailors, Beware!
- Do Detectives Think
- Flying Elephants
- Sugar Daddies
- The Second 100 Years
- Call of the Cuckoo
- Putting Pants on Philip
- The Battle of the Century
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