Our Wife

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!

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.

A LAUREL & HARDY Comedy Short

When the ferocious father of Ollie's intended forbids a marriage, Hardy decides to elope. But with Stan helping out, can chaos be far behind?

A very funny little film, with lots of slapstick. Once again, marvel at the physical grace of Oliver Hardy. Highlight: the tiny getaway car. That's Babe London as Ollie's dimpled darling; James Finlayson as her fierce father; and silent film comic Ben Turpin as the cross-eyed justice of the peace.

On the day of Hardy's wedding, spirits are high, Laurel even has a bath. However when the bride's father sees a picture of the intended groom he forbids the wedding. Hardy plans to elope with his bride and sends Laurel to get a car. When their plans are exposed it is a race to get to a JP to perform the ceremony.

A lively short that sticks quite closely to it's plot without too much in the way of side plots acting as filler. The main jokes here come from physical work without too much in the way of banter from the duo. This is fine though, as much of it is good. Two major falls in particular are almost inspired – witness Finlayson's falls just after seeing Hardy's photo, culminating in a dive down some stairs, and then Hardy taken down an entire room with one trip.

The plot fizzles out a little towards the end as there is no real physical stuff in the final few minutes and nothing of value really replaces it, however for the majority it is very funny. Laurel and Hardy are good value, although Laurel is in the background a little for this one. Hardy's falls take the focus and he does well indeed. The high point of the film for me was hearing Finlayson `d'oh'ing more than usual – truly the original Homer!

Overall this is an enjoyable short – especially if you like their pratfalls more than their banter.

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.