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STUDIO: Warner Home Video
MSRP: $39.98
RATED: NR
RUNNING TIME: 259 Minutes
SPECIAL FEATURES:
• Commentaries
• Introductions by Robert Osborne
• The Hollywood Shorts Story Feature-length documentary
• Vintage Laurel and Hardy excerpts from feature films
• Theatrical Trailers


The Pitch

"The greatest comedy duo of all time gets respect."

The Humans

Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy, Dennis King, Thelma Todd, James Finlayson

The Nutshell

Turner Classic Movies has an extensive catalog of movies and are now beginning to release collection sets from these archives. One of the first releases is the Laurel and Hardy Collection that includes two feature length movies and one disc of extras. Laurel and Hardy did not make too many feature films and this is due in part that the bulk of their work together was short-films. Even though they were never a favorite with the critics it was their popularity with moviegoers that convinced MGM to give them a shot at feature length films.

Bonnie Scotland (1935)

Stanley MacLaurel and Oliver Hardy are heading to Scotland to collect on an inheritance that Stanley has received from the MacLaurel estate. Before collecting, Stanley has to prove who he is and produces a police wanted photo and then finds out that all he inherited was a snuffbox and bagpipes. To say the least the duo are disappointed and most importantly broke. Owing three weeks rent and with Stanley trading his overcoat for a fish things surely cannot get any worse. While trying to cook a fish on a heated mattress spring at the inn the duo set their bed on fire and are kicked out. After this surely things can't get any worse or could they?

With no other choices available Stanley and Oliver sign up for new coats and wind up instead enlisted in the army. Dressed in kilts the duo is sent to India where they find out that the heiress to the MacLaurel estate, Lorna MacLaurel (June Lang), has moved there also in order to be with her guardian until she is 21. Also by chance Lorna's boyfriend has joined the army who winds up getting involved in a dangerous mission with Stanley and Oliver. That dangerous mission is for these three to enter the palace and turn over some beehives.


Lame Ass joke #1: "If you can pick this up with your ass-cheeks care to try a quarter next?"

The Devil's Brother (1933)

Set in 18th Century Italy, Fra Diavolo (Dennis King) is the most feared bandit (a singing one no less) in Northern Italy. After being robbed Stanlio and Ollio decide to become bandits and in order to be a success Stanlio comes up with the idea that Ollio should impersonate Diavolo. While plying their new trade the duo run into the real Diavolo and attempt to rob him.

The hold up is unsuccessful and Diavolo forces the duo to become his servants. Unknown to the duo is the fact that Diavolo is also the Marquis de San Marco and he uses that identity to get closer to the ladies jewels and hearts. Diavolo is in hot pursuit of Lord Rocburg's (James Finlayson) riches and new bride Lady Pamela (Thelma Todd) and after securing a place at the Tavern, the Marquis plots his next move. As things unfold Diavolo puts Stanlio and Ollio to work and one of the jobs is to put sleeping tablets in Lord Rocburg's wine but Stanlio drinks it instead. If you want some good laughs watch the scenes where Stanlio is drunk and constantly falling asleep.

As the story unfolds and our duo gets into one mishap after another the robbery is unsuccessful with Diavolo, Stanlio and Ollio put in front of a firing squad. Even this situation has it's problems because Stanlio starts waving a red handkerchief which causes a bull to charge and the trio of bumbling bandits manage to escape.


Lame Ass joke #2: "I can pull an Abbott and Costello joke out of my ass any day of the week."

The Lowdown

Whether it is one of their silent or feature films, Laurel and Hardy always managed to provide the laughs and what was unique to their style was every situation they were in always backfired, on them. Both actors always raised the level of comedy to a point where you were sitting and waiting for them to top the last fiasco and true to form they always did. In both movies there is no shortage of laughter and both are worthy for a viewing just for the simple fact that the best comedy duo of all time are in a feature length film instead of a 20-minute quickie.

Both movies provide a fair share of laughs with Bonnie Scotland being the favorite. While Bonnie Scotland is a straightforward Laurel and Hardy feature, The Devil's Brother was weighed down with too much music and it focused a good part of the movie on other characters. When it comes to a Laurel and Hardy movie it should be obvious that people want to see more of them and not be distracted by a love story or worse, scenes that take you out of the viewing experience. To put it bluntly, I could care less whether two lovers get together at the end of the film or whether justice is served. I just want to see what madcap adventures Laurel and Hardy get into and all I ask for is some laughs and like clockwork these two deliver just that in every scene.

The Package

Turner Classic Movies has done an outstanding job with the extras and the stand out is the feature length documentary Added Attractions: The Hollywood Shorts Story. Narrated by Chevy Chase and showcasing Laurel and Hardy, The Little Rascals, The Three Stooges plus many others. This feature gives a detailed chronology of short films by providing many rare clips and discussions with historians and other comedians.


After Oliver caught Stanley humping rocks that job as Buckwheat's sidekick was looking pretty damn good.

The other extras are just as enjoyable, especially the Laurel and Hardy excerpts that include from The Hollywood Revue of 1929 a magic act, Rogue Song, two memorable segments from Hollywood Party and three so-so segments from Pick a Star. Although the quality has deteriorated on some of these they are all still enjoyable.

The introduction by Robert Osborne is nice mainly because I like how he provides some little tidbits either about the actors or the movie. The commentaries on both films by Leonard Maltin and some fan of Laurel and Hardy are decent but these two did take me out of the movie. I enjoy commentaries as they provide information and offer at times a different perspective to a scene but these two just talked and talked and talked! Enough already!

The package is a nice slip cover that showcases Laurel and Hardy and it is in black and white which I found to be a nice touch. The holder pulls out and after a mountain of TCM ads fall out there are some nice pictures featuring the original posters from both movies (how I would love to have those!)

8.3 out of 10