Die Braut wird geklaut

I am reviewing my L&H knowledge in anticipation of showing these films to others. Just saw this gem tonite.

The year is 1931 and the boys have hit their stride in the sound era. I am surprised at how well the gags are paced and executed. There is one prolonged sequence that could have been timed better, but it is punctuated adequately with a couple of sight gags and we are soon back on track.

I am wondering now whether this film would work with any other comedians at the helm. Ollie's childish gestures of sentiment towards his beloved fiancé are utterly precious. Stan is the perfect dope, ruining everything in his path as they gear up for the wedding.

Silent era film-goers were probably pleased to see Ben Turpin make an appearance near the end. Before I show this film to others, I may have to explain Turpin's role in that era.

Highly recommended. Allow no interruptions.

Released in 1931, "Our Wife" is about Ollie planning to marry his sweetheart and with Stan as his best man. Naturally, things don't go according to plan! First, the future father-in- law James Finlayson objects to the marriage. Second, the bride to-be is of a considerable shape. The latter problem features much more later on in the film! Ollie decides to elope with his girl but this also presents a few challenges... The first half of "Our Wife" works very well but somehow, the final 10 minutes isn't quite so great. It is still a good Laurel and Hardy short but not quite vintage. I laughed at Stan trying to help Ollie prepare for the big day because you just know it won't work the way they wish!

A very funny Laurel and Hardy short film, with both on good form. The visual gags come thick and fast and the topic of love and romance, coupled with a bungled attempt at eloping, was a typical and much loved theme. There unique brand of comedy (and after all the years) never seems dated or tired.

Our Wife concerns a happy-go-lucky Ollie planning to marry his sweetheart Dulcy (Babe London), with his pal Stan by his side as his best man. However, when Dulcy's father sees a picture of Ollie, he becomes disgusted and appalled and calls off the wedding instantly. Frustrated, the couple plans to elope, with Stan and Ollie sneaking Dulcy out of her home to have a secret marriage ceremony; one can only imagine how Laurel and Hardy manage to turn this immense task into one of troublesome blunders.

But, as we expect, they find a way to do so, and Our Wife becomes infested with circumstantial comedy, arising from everything like Ollie falling into Dulcy's window, the three having difficulty fitting into a small car, and then, finally, arriving for the marriage ceremony only to have it incomparably screwed up thanks to a cross-eyed priest in true Laurel and Hardy fashion.

Our Wife sticks to a premise more built on situational comedy and misunderstandings, as writer H.M. Walker and director James W. Horne team up once again to deliver a spry, fun short. Laurel and Hardy function the best when they struggle to do a simple task to no success, engage in goofy banter, or stumble over activities that should be easy and quick. When they punch, kick, fight, and slap, their shorts descend into the kind of humor The Three Stooges did and did infinitely better. When the duo stick to trying to go along with a story and having issues executing their plan, they predicate themselves off of the building blocks of comedy, where characters do something they don't want to do or are having difficultly doing something. Our Wife works for that specific reason and results in a rousing good time.

Starring: Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy, and Babe London. Directed by: James W. Horne.

Our Wife (1931)

*** 1/2 (out of 4)

Hardy and his fiancé have to run off to get married so they get Laurel for help, which of course leads to disaster. There are plenty of wonderful jokes and gags here including the small limousine and the best one when Hardy falls into a cake and brings a lot more with him.

Helpmates (1932)

*** 1/2 (out of 4)

Mrs. Hardy is out of town so Hardy throws a big party. When the wife plans on returning home early Hardy must get Laurel to help him clean the house. Another wonderful short has non-stop laughs from start to finish. There really isn't one skit that sticks out but instead the laughs just build up.

Me and My Pal (1933)

*** (out of 4)

Hardy is about to be married but Laurel gives him a jigsaw puzzle for a wedding gift. The two start working on it and forget all about the wedding. This is more amusing than funny, although the final riot does get plenty of laughs.