Two short comedies this week from Laurel & Hardy ….. who were a comedy team from 1927 to 1955, consisting of British Stan Laurel (1890–1965) and American Oliver Hardy (1892–1957). Starting their career as a team in the silent film era, they transitioned easily to the new talking pictures and became internationally famous for their slapstick comedy. Laurel’s character was clumsy and childlike; Hardy’s was domineering and genteel, but both were inseparable friends. Their theme song, known variously as “The Cuckoo Song”, “Ku-Ku”, or “The Dance of the Cuckoos” (by Hollywood composer T. Marvin Hatley) was heard over their films’ opening credits, and became as identified with them as their derby hats. They made 107 films together.
45 Minutes from Hollywood – 1926 – A California family is sent a letter informing them that if they do not quickly travel to Hollywood to pay a fee they owe, they will be evicted from their home. The family decides to send Grandpa, but the son so badly wants to see Hollywood that he convinces his mother to let him go, too and the shenanigans begin. Film duration 21 minutes.
Battle of the Century – 1927 – The most famous movie “pie throwing” scene ever ……. With Stan Laurel playing Canvasback Clump and Oliver Hardy as a fight Manager mayhem ensues. Fight manager (Hardy) takes out an insurance policy on his puny pugilist (Laurel) and then proceeds to try to arrange for an accident so that he can collect. When a pie delivery man (Hall) slips on a banana peel, meant for the fighter, a classic pie throwing scene results. Film duration 21 minutes.
Doors & licensed bar open 11am. Coffee, tea, refreshments and snacks available. Film screens at 12 noon. Tickets $15 and free for kids 13 and under.