Laurel and Hardy, the legendary comedy duo of the early 20th century, were known for their fantastic on-screen chemistry and ability to bring laughter to audiences worldwide. Their unique style of slapstick comedy and witty banter made them a household name and they continue to be beloved by fans of all ages. Stan Laurel, born Arthur Stanley Jefferson, and Oliver Hardy, born Norvell Hardy, both began their careers in the early days of silent films. Laurel had a knack for physical comedy and had a background in vaudeville, while Hardy had a rich baritone voice that added a layer of humor to their performances. The pair first met while working for the Hal Roach Studios in the 1920s and quickly realized they had a natural comedic bond. They started off as separate actors, but it was together that they truly shined.
Those eccentricities were on display during the fall of 1909 in a solo act, “Stan Jefferson—He of the Funny Ways.” Back home in Glasgow and looking for another show, Stan went to see the pantomime of Mother Goose at the Grand Theater, produced by the illustrious impresario Fred Karno. Karno had essentially created the music-hall comedy sketch; most music-hall performers sang funny songs, but Karno’s comedians worked in pantomime. This was primarily to escape the license fees and censorship imposed by Lord Chamberlain’s office, which insisted upon reviewing the script of every play produced in Britain. Karno reasoned that if there was no dialogue, there need be no script, therefore no censorship problem and no license to be paid. What began as a financial consideration resulted in a new form of comedy. So popular were these sketches that troupes of his comedians—dubbed by the public as “Fred Karno’s Army”—were appearing in theaters all through England during the early years of the 20 th century.
Stan appeared in three other Karno sketches Skating, Jimmy the Fearless and The Wow-Wows and then came to the United States for the first time in September, 1910 with a Karno touring company. The act went over quite well, until Stan was taking his bows and spotted his father in the audience which prompted him to run offstage in a panic, catching the precious frock coat on a steel hook and tearing it.
They started off as separate actors, but it was together that they truly shined. Their first official film as a duo was "Putting Pants on Philip" in 1927, which was an instant hit. Laurel and Hardy went on to make more than 100 films together, many of which are now considered classics of the comedy genre.
Laurel & Hardy: Their Lives and Magic
Go behind the scenes of the collaboration between Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, and observe some of their best film moments. Under the microscope are Laurel's and Hardy's public and private lives, as well as their long-standing friendship.
- Streaming
- Airings
Loading. Please wait.
My cable/satellite provider:
Provider not set ChangeThere are no TV airings over the next 14 days. Add it to your Watchlist to receive updates and availability notifications.
Some of their most famous films include "Sons of the Desert," "Way Out West," and "Stan and Ollie." What set Laurel and Hardy apart from other comedy duos of the time was their ability to create genuine, relatable characters. Laurel was often portrayed as the innocent, childlike fool, while Hardy played the arrogant, blustering straight man. This dynamic allowed them to play off each other's strengths and weaknesses, resulting in hilarious and unforgettable moments. One of the hallmarks of their comedy was the physical gags and stunts they performed. Whether it was Laurel getting his hat crushed into a pancake or Hardy falling into a pool of water, their ability to execute these stunts with precision and timing was truly magical. Audiences around the world fell in love with Laurel and Hardy's unique brand of comedy. They were able to transcend language barriers and cultural differences, bringing joy to people of all backgrounds. Their films were often a mix of laughter, chaos, and heart, which made them all the more memorable. Beyond their comedic genius, Laurel and Hardy were also pioneers in the film industry. They were one of the first comedy duos to transition successfully from silent films to "talkies," proving that their humor was not limited by the medium. They also had a hand in writing and producing many of their films, showing their versatility and dedication to their craft. Sadly, Laurel and Hardy's partnership came to an end in 1955 with the death of Hardy. Laurel continued to work in the film industry but never achieved the same level of success without his partner. However, their legacy lives on, and their influence can still be felt in comedy today. In conclusion, the lives and magic of Laurel and Hardy continue to fascinate audiences even decades after their heyday. Their unique blend of physical comedy, witty banter, and relatable characters made them true legends of the silver screen. Laurel and Hardy's contributions to the world of comedy and film are incomparable, and they will always be remembered as one of the greatest comedy duos of all time..
Reviews for "Oliver Hardy: The Powerful Presence Behind the Comic Legend"
- John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "The fascinating lives and magic of Laurel and Hardy". I've always been a fan of their work and was excited to learn more about their lives. However, this documentary failed to deliver any new or interesting information about them. The narration was dull and the editing felt disjointed. I was left feeling bored and underwhelmed.
- Sarah - 1 star - As a huge Laurel and Hardy fan, I was excited to watch "The fascinating lives and magic of Laurel and Hardy". Unfortunately, it did not meet my expectations at all. The documentary lacked depth and failed to provide any real insight into their lives and careers. The interviews were repetitive and felt more like a series of soundbites than in-depth discussions. Overall, I was extremely disappointed and would not recommend this film to any Laurel and Hardy enthusiasts.
- Mark - 2 stars - I found "The fascinating lives and magic of Laurel and Hardy" to be quite dull. The pacing was slow and the narrative lacked any real direction. While there were some interesting anecdotes and behind-the-scenes footage, overall, the documentary failed to capture the true essence of Laurel and Hardy. I expected to be entertained and learn more about their comedic genius, but instead, I was left feeling unengaged and uninterested.