Les compagnons de la Nouba

Original title: Sons of the Desert

IMDb RATING

7.5/10

9.9K

YOUR RATING

Oliver Hardy and Stan Laurel in Les compagnons de la Nouba (1933)

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Buddy Comedy Farce Slapstick Comedy Family

When Stan and Ollie trick their wives into thinking that they are taking a medicinal cruise while they're actually going to a convention, the wives find out the truth the hard way.When Stan and Ollie trick their wives into thinking that they are taking a medicinal cruise while they're actually going to a convention, the wives find out the truth the hard way.When Stan and Ollie trick their wives into thinking that they are taking a medicinal cruise while they're actually going to a convention, the wives find out the truth the hard way.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

7.5/10

9.9K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Awards
- 1 win total

Waiter
(uncredited)

Jimmy Aubrey

Son of the Desert
(uncredited)

Eddie Baker

Son of the Desert
(uncredited)

Brooks Benedict

Son of the Desert
(uncredited)

Harry Bernard

Bartender
(uncredited)
…

Stanley Blystone

Brawny Speakeasy Manager
(uncredited)

Chet Brandenburg

Son of the Desert
(uncredited)

Don Brodie

Son of the Desert
(uncredited)

Bobby Burns

Son of the Desert
(uncredited)

Tony Campanaro

Steamship Announcement Witness
(uncredited)

Baldwin Cooke

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Storyline

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Did you know

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Trivia
According to studio publicity releases, scenes had to be re shot frequently because director and crew would often break up in laughter over the stars' antics. The story went on to assert that Stan Laurel's expression in the scene with Charley Chase was so funny "that it completely upset the equanimity of Hardy, and it was several minutes before the latter was able to regain his composure." According to film historian Richard W. Bann (a specialist on the films produced by Hal Roach Studios), Hal Roach recalled in 1979 how often such things happened on set. "I was never upset that it was costing me money," he said. "I was upset that we couldn't use some of the funniest scenes we saw every day," the ones that were ruined by cast or crew members breaking up.

Goofs
When Laurel and Hardy are returned to their wives by the police officer, as they are led inside the house, the camera tilts back slightly and the boom mic is visible at the top of the frame as they walk toward the couch.

Quotes
Oliver: Well, here's another nice mess you've gotten me into.

Alternate versions
There is an Italian edition of this film on DVD, "I FIGLI DEL DESERTO (1933) - New Widescreen Edition + I DUE LEGIONARI (Legione straniera, 1931)", re-edited in double version (1.33:1 and 1.78:1) with the contribution of film historian Riccardo Cusin. This version is also available for streaming on some platforms.

Connections
Edited into Dance of the Cookoos (1982)

Soundtracks
Honolulu Baby
(uncredited)
Written by Marvin Hatley
Sung by Ty Parvis and danced by Charita Alden and others
Also Performed by Oliver Hardy (vocal and guitar) and sung a cappella by Stan Laurel

User reviews90

Featured review

8/10

Another Fine Mess

Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy want to go to their 87th annual "Sons of the Desert" convention in Chicago, which no member has ever missed. But, domineering wives Mae Busch (as Lottie) and Dorothy Christy (as Betty) have other ideas. The women want to vacation in the mountains. While Ms. Christy gives permission for Mr. Laurel to attend the convention, Ms. Busch isn't so accommodating. So, Mr. Hardy decides to play sick, which (somewhat inexplicably) earns he and Laurel a trip to Hawaii (Chicago), without the wives.

Laurel & Hardy perform the old story smoothly; this film surely earns them the plot's patent. Clever scripting (Frank Craven) and direction (William A. Seiter) keeps things moving, and bits are well chosen. The slapstick hits a little too hard, sometimes; with the coming of sound, some of the physical comedy would look better in moderation (with a silly sound effect). Busch is one of the best Laurel & Hardy "wives". The duo's convention appearance, with the riotous Charley Chase is fantastic -- it includes a great theme song, "Honolulu Baby", performed by Ty Parvis and his hilarious hula dancers. Oh, lei!