Cuckoo - Laurel & Hardy UK BBC TV Documentary 1974

By far the best documentary ever on L & H. Please release officially BBC!
Please note this is a very mediocre copy with some bad sound sync and poor video quality.
However, this is as rare as hens teeth and is the only copy I have found to date so its up to you if you want to watch or not.
Here's what Glenn Mitchell has to say about this programme in his LAUREL & HARDY ENCYCLOPEDIA.
"A film in the BBC TV Omnibus series, first screened in December 1974 with a repeat the following year. This major project remains a key work among Laurel & Hardy documentaries, offering constructive examination (not analysis) of well-chosen clips, intelligent narration (delivered by Britain's top double-act, Morecambe and Wise), appropriate stills and, perhaps of the greatest value, interviews with surviving friends, relatives and colleagues. Many of these are no longer with us: producer Hal Roach; Babe's widow Lucille; composer T. Marvin Hatley; Jean 'Babe' London; early Laurel producer Joe Rock; journalist Kenneth Tyson, whose 1950s review of their stage act remains among the better tributes; and documentary-maker Basil Wright, always one of the team's champions in the UK. Others include actress Dorothy Granger, biographer John McCabe, mime artist Marcel Marceau, critic Dilys Powell and comedians Dick Van Dyke, Jerry Lewis, Bob Monkhouse and Spike Milligan. At least 40 of the Laurel & Hardy films are incorporated, if only through momentary fragments. Some are presented more than cleverly: Angora Love and Be Big are intercut during a routine common to both films, while Ollie's request to see 'the future Mrs Hardy' (in Oliver the Eighth) precedes an interview with his widow. Footage of Our Wife is mixed with home movie film of Babe London with Stan Laurel, seemingly watching themselves on TV. Other peripheral footage includes colour home movies of an older Laurel playing with Laurel & Hardy marionettes, amateur film of their 1932 UK trip, 1947 coverage of the team's visit to the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway plus a glimpse of Laurel solo in The Noon Whistle (1923). Flaws are that Laurel's birthdate is given as 1895 instead of 1890 (common in earlier publicity) and footage from Come Clean, showing the pair acting like children, is used with the explanation for their behaviour deleted. The post-Roach output is treated very sweepingly, although there are many aficionados who would encourage this trend. The programme, written and produced by Robert Vas, attracted much favourable attention in its day and one can only lament its subsequent disappearance."

[@opinionday0079]

Comedy is strange and most comedy does not stand the test of time, you can check out all the sit coms from the 50s 60s 70s and most are not funny today but these two guys are still funny 100 years later....magic.

[@Dustshoe]

OpinionDay007 It may not be funny anymore. We are 'sophisticated' now. Don't you see? But one thing the old programmes have is a level of cheer. What about 'The Phil Silvers Show'?

[@markbarker6739]

I remember being at school aged 7 or 8 they opened a film club and these were always shown and loved (1970\71)still funny and no swearing

[@fraser_mr2009]

Legends never die. They were at their funniest when they worked for Hal Roach.

[@JoeRivermanSongwriter]

By the way Morecambe and Wise, another great comedy duo, narrated this.

[@davidevans3227]

we need these two men now more than ever! thankyou for sharing this 🙂 x.

[@RS-yj3gn]

Fascinating documentary despite the poor picture quality.

[@XxpauldadudexX]

My great grandparents, grandparents, parents, and now me and my siblings have laughed soooo much at these two genius, Stan & Ollie....how awesome is that, that even in the 21sy century they have people laughing at and loving them? If you don't find these pair funny there's something wrong with you.

[@mattferguson9015]

Man, I wish I could shake their hands and thank them for all of the joy they've given me over the years. You cannot watch any given flick by them and be sad or angry. They brought joy, friendship and laughter to the masses. Their essence will never be surpassed or even matched. Class acts to the core. R.I.P, to the titans of comedy forever!

[@brucerae6508]

Without doubt the greatest comedy duo ever

[@craigstevenson1064]

Stan & Ollie are the greatest comedians ever to have graced the planet. Still today they are living proof that in the year 2017 you can play one of their films to a child and within two minutes they have tears of laughter streaming down their face. The word "legends" is said far too often today, often for mediocre people. For these two, the word "legend" just simply isn't good enough!

[@Evan.Arapis]

Well, bless your merry heart man, well-said, indeed ! Please keep saying that until the cows come home because some people just won't get it, just won't feel it !

[@SheridanJazz]

That's because, as far as comedy teams are concerned, they did it all first, and left nothing undone. Abbott & Costello, Olsen & Johnson, Art Carney & Jackie Gleason ("The Honeymooners"), even the 3 Stooges & the Marx Brothers.......I don't care, they all have their roots in these two guys. They're way beyond the category of "legend".

[@levitrevor1447]

Dont know if you guys cares but if you're stoned like me during the covid times then you can watch pretty much all of the latest movies and series on InstaFlixxer. I've been watching with my girlfriend for the last couple of months =)

[@bodiejairo2140]

@Levi Trevor Definitely, I've been watching on Instaflixxer for years myself :D

[@grahamsmith5768]

Both loyal to one another in life and after life.No wonder they had such a outstanding magnetic friendship, Never quarreled or run each other down, Today married actors, singers, celebrities, personalities etc, etc, etc...,.. can't last 5 minutes. The live ghost, always crack me up.

[@rustykilt]

tHIS HAS TO BE THE BEST INTERPRETATION OF LAUREL AND HARDY. THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THOSE INTERVIEWED , REVEAL AS NEVER BEFORE, THE CHEMISTRY OF THE WONDERFUL DUO. A SHAME THE VIDEO QUALITY IS SO POOR, BUT WAS WORTH THE WATCH. THE MAGIC OF STAN AND OLLIE LIVES FOREVER.

[@terrencegurnee3166]

loved them and still do at the age of 76!

[@THE-HammerMan]

One of Stan's hobbies as he got older was writing things for the both of them. He still did that up to his last days. Stan loved and missed his friend so much.

[@jazzmanchgo]

Theirs is truly a love story, which in the end might be their most memorable, moving, and long-lasting legacy.

[@eddiethomas353]

I was lucky to live in Los Angeles for three years. I visited Stan's grave many times. There was always a red rose on the gravestone.

[@12classics39]

These two just might be the all-time greatest gifts to mankind.

[@bobandbally88]

That was great. In the late 40s we went to day camp. Every afternoon there was a rest period, which usually was watching a Laurel and Hardy comedy. Lots of laughter from a bunch of kids. Now, they're still funny. They haven't changed, but our sense of humor, as adults, matured watching them. Thats why they are ageless.

[@edcampion3998]

we will never see the likes of those guys again,geniuses at work.

[@dumontpictures7303]

Laurel And Hardy were true comedy legends. I will always love their films. I wish we had a better copy of this documentary though. I really enjoy this.

[@davidrenton]

the thing that was most touching was where Stan would watch the films on TV and say Oliver was so funny

[@colinbaker3916]

For those who don’t know, the narrators are Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise, the best loved comedy team in the history of British TV.

[@markharrison2544]

That was the two Ronnies.

[@colinbaker3916]

Mark Harrison No. The narrators are Morecambe and Wise. Oh and for all the high regard in which Messrs Corbett and Barker were held, they were never loved like Eric and Ernie.

[@DSDMovies]

@@markharrison2544 Nope. The Two Ronnies were very good but Morecambe and Wise were special.

[@rnw2739]

@@DSDMovies The Two Ronnies were infinitely funnier than Morecambe and Wise...

[@patrickparker8417]

@@markharrison2544 They were as funny as a toothache .

[@stephenparker4735]

Morecambe and Wise narrating. Another beautiful comedy duo.

[@KendrickHarrisKenfinity]

It's never a "Swiss miss" to reconnect with our talented and perfectly paired comedic situation changers. Stay safe everyone!

[@chrisstevenson5378]

I've never stopped loving them.

[@alanbatty3825]

And here we are in 2020, 30 years after this programme was made and nearly one humdred since they started making movies together, and we're still laughing. God bless them both, two gentle men, and two gentlemen, that will make us laught forever.

[@AVB91]

Considering that this was made in 1974, the amount of archival footage used is amazing :)

[@DSisco-ov4zm]

The imperfections of this film reminds me of the old days when you went to war with TV to get that perfect picture.

[@ryanormrod5253]

I've watched these guys over and over again, including Atoll K. I don't mind that they had aged because I am so addicted to their content and seeing their faces together that I just have to watch everything they made.

[@ricardocantoral7672]

I can't bring myself to watch Atoll K. I only want to see peak L&H just like I prefer only watching the silent Buster Keatons.

[@Tieyme]

I'm still awe struck when I watch a L&H movie. Even the stylised stunt shots, or the way everything that made up a kitchen flew into the air was a work of comic art. Two great men who made a small me - and a much older one now - very happy.

[@bobandbally88]

They couldn't possibly have rehearsed most scenes. The mess and upheaval would have taken days to clean up. They were truly artists.

[@kamikazekaos]

Grew up watching them in the late 70s till this day after watching the Stan and Ollie movie 2019 last night,I just watched this fantastic there’s so much info on them I didn’t know, god bless them thank you for your comedy RIP my heros

[@keitharcher548]

what a wonderful pair of guys! So much fun they have given xx

[@rbbonotto]

This really is the best documentary of them. The BBC should re-release it, and make the clips the restored versions that are better and available. now.

[@mrsbrownandhercat]

The BBC copyright expires in 2024.

[@tinatina1104]

Absolutely brilliant. We watch their films over and over especially to cheer ourselves up. I'm a foster carer and all my kids have been introduced to their films and they laugh so much

[@Dustshoe]

Tina Tina Yes, and it's desperate times to see today so much choice on television, satellite, cable and internet - yet so much misery. And so many sour and sad and vacant expressions into the bargain! I think I'll check out Bollywood instead! Did the West forget how to have a laugh? I may paint a pessimistic picture, but it amazes me how easily drawn today people are to misery, and talking about misery. It's the same thing going on in literature. And look at all their misery tattoos, of the mobile and the connected! When screens were bigger and fewer (back in the old days), the laughs were louder and plentiful (I says).

[@guadalupecorchado5461]

The opinion about their last movie is out of question. Shame on you Our beloved Stan and Oliver will be in our hearts whatever age they were! Whatever age we are or were.

[@TonyBurke100]

The first time I saw "The Music Box" and saw the shot of those stairs I howled with laughter before anything had started. I knew it was going to be hilarious.

[@TelecasterLPGTop]

Like many oldies such as I my early memories of uncontrollable laughter were prompted by these two wonderful men. Just like Jerry Lewis the memories were accompanied by feelings of love and friendship for these two Gods of comedy. Without such feelings life may seem empty something that I wouldn't care to explore.

[@gobnaitaine2791]

I've watched loads of documentaries on Laurel and Hardy and this one is the best by far. Watch it, you won't be disappointed. Thanks Stan and Ollie for the laughs. R. I. P Xx

[@HenryPage]

An act comprising genius beyond comparison. No one comes near to their seemingly effortless ability to create timeless laughter out of the simplest of situations. There will never be another comedy duo that will outshine Stan and Ollie.

[@terrycharnley]

Wonderful documentary on the greatest comedy duo ever. Much missed, but legends like this never really die, since their films live forever. They still make me crack up. And that signature music, cuckoo huh?, raises a smile always when you hear that, it's Laurel and Hardy!

[@mvies77]

The greatest comedy team of the last or any century. Even more is their legacy of genius, dedication to each other and their craft, and their decency and kindness as human beings. We are so blessed to have a record of their always timely performances and joyful innocence and pure comedic genius. They are greatly missed and we must never fail to introduce every generation to their exquisite timing, grace and humor. Thanks so much for the doc.

[@bwilliams463]

My favorite 'Far Side'' comic is Laurel and Hardy, fleeing from a looming mushroom cloud on the horizon, and Ollie is saying, "NOW you've done it."

[@willfade7994]

There will never be another duo quite like Laurel & Hardy. Some of my most precious memories of my father are watching Laurel & Hardy with him late at night. We'd laugh ourselves silly. He had 'Way Out West' on an old VHS tape and we watched it so many times. The two truly were a unique love story. They always got in trouble and fought constantly, but they'd immediately defend each other. I have no doubt their real life friendship was the same. I remember reading about Stan going to visit Oliver when he was on his deathbed. I've often wondered what Stan would say to him. I know he treasured their movies more than any of us possibly can. Watching the films now is truly bittersweet. God rest their souls. I hope they are together now in Heaven.

[@71poiuytrewq]

Amen.

[@eggbertinkabod1121]

WILLFADE 79 THERE IS NO HEAVEN AND U SMOKE 2 MUCH CRACK I MET MR LAUREL IN HIS FLAT IN L.A. HE TOLD ME WHAT HE AND BABE WAS DOING WAS JUST A JOB THAT'S ALL, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY YOU GOT A FAT ASS .

[@rufust.firefly2474]

what a horrible vicious person you must be and what a stupid pretentious attitude to have towards someone who appreciates the beauty of an art you're pathetic

[@ysgol3]

Marvellous - especially Ollie's widow's touching words from about 50' on. I shouldn't really have singled one moment out - it's ALL marvellous.

[@patricka.crawley6572]

I first saw Laurel and Hardy films on TV in England in the 1960s. What an excellent introduction to 'comedy'.Comedy at its funniest, purest and most gracious and human. As I have matured, I appreciate this more. Many 'comics' say funny things or can do funny things...not 'comedians' or 'comedy'. Laurel and Hardy are the supreme example of comedy.

[@gianca60]

I was 5 when Stan died, I already knew L&H and I still remember TV news about his death. this is to say how much they are important to me.

[@patrickparker8417]

Same here but I certainly don't remember it .

[@guadalupecorchado5461]

Many news TV programs did not tell about Stan....

[@doubledeckers]

And here we are another 40 years on from this documentary!

[@adrianlackey5107]

As a child, I saw *Them Thar Hills* in a crowded hall. I loved them ever since. *County Hospital*, *Two Tars*, *Leave Them Laughing*, *Big Business*, *Wrong Again*, *Laughing Gravy*, *The Finishing Touch*, and - of course - their Oscar winning short *The Music Box*. I recommend them all.

[@MrHondalady]

Such a brilliant documentary wish they would put this on dvd!!

[@kevinbutler1126]

I was introduced to their films on WCBS TV Ch.2 and on WPIX TV Ch.11 in NYC..as far back as 1958 and I've been a fan of their's ever since.

[@Dustshoe]

Kevin Butler I don't believe an apostrophe is required where you have written 'their's'.

[@Cameraman61]

I DID watch this in 1974 on BBC 1! I've always remembered it!

[@gailal]

Thier movies will live forever after were all gone

[@billygillan821]

Truly one of the most beautiful documentary I have every seen and with truly some of the greatest entertainers loving the First Greatest double act

[@davidhewson1234]

What a pair. No accolade is good enough. Thanks all. Dave

[@alannoorkoiv6281]

What a Gem this documentary is!!...

[@jocelynhkcarter]

Jocelyn Carter: Laurel and Hardy was a great comedy team that I loved! Rest in peace to them both.

[@jimroebuck9341]

Wonderful! What a sweet tribute to the greatest comedy team in film history.

[@Lee-70ish]

The greatest comedy double act of all time bar none. Mostly with simple premisses but that's what was so cleaver the mundane slowly cascades into a series of side splitting skits. Only a genius could think of that , I also think Stan and Ollie were totally brilliant at timing the slow burn to perfection . Mmmm Mmmmm

[@lawriesmithe]

Brilliant documentary, fantastic choice of clips.

[@davidblack3396]

We'll never ever see the likes again, ever, ,those two were the kings of comedy and aways will be ,R.I.P lad's and thanks.

[@andymassingham]

This is an exceptionally well constructed documentary (albeit in need of a cleaning!) Some terrific observations about the history and psychology of comedy teaming and perfect use of interview/film clip counterpoint. It has echoes of the Brownlow/Gill Hollywood series.

[@Br1an37]

Wonderful. Such unassuming and humble genius is a rare thing especially in the world of today. R.I.P Oliver and Stan. Thank you for visiting us down here for a while and bringing us such joy.

[@Roscoe.P.Coldchain]

I found it sad when I found out Stan was renting an 80 dollar a month apartment in his later days having worked so hard to please people for decades they would have been super wealthy these days..Shame the film company’s didn’t share the wealth from the films they made..Even in the 50 and 60s there shows were top of the bill for popularity and they never got a dime from the re runs….

[@hkdsoulable]

knighthood for Laurel!!!!..Jimmy bloody saville got one

[@MrMarkBray]

many thanks for uploading this classic documentary... I agree, this is what youtube is all about... Morcombe and wise came pretty close but there will never be another L&H. They were and always will be the most talented funny men ever... no one today comes close to their genius...

[@davidjanson9900]

in the begining there was laurel and hardy in the end it will still be laurel and hardy

[@mspiro1969]

Absolutely wonderful and very moving

[@MrDravenLee]

They were and always will be the best! R.I.P. Stan and Ollie.

[@PR46797]

Greatest comedy team ever.

[@kingflappy4827]

Looking forward to the film next month

[@harlow743]

Oliver Hardy was one of the greatest comic personas of all time.

[@ava1ful]

This is wonderful - what a rare glimpse into early film-making as well as a tribute to Stan and Oliver- a lovlier , simpler time and still hilarious and touching to watch

[@R6FTW59]

the memories they left me are precious and priceless thank you and God bless.

[@Galavya41]

OH !..ThankYou..ThankYou..ThankYou.. :) This fills me with joy and a little sadness at the same time..its hard to imagine such simple, genuine and great men actually existed

[@richardfaber6276]

very good documentry love it

[@TakersMissy]

Oh, how I'd have LOVED to have seen this in 1974! John McCabe's book "Mr. Laurel & Mr. Hardy" was one of the first books I ever got about film comedians. Having now studied and seen all of Chaplin's films and all of Keaton's silent films (both men whom I also love and respect), I'm so happy and proud that, in my opinion, at least TWO of the greatest silent comedians were able to successfully carry over into sound. I'll bet Roach might've let Keaton's genius flourish as he did for Laurel!

[@TheRomundus]

Greatest comedy team ever. Nobody even close.

[@evanlanctot323]

Perhaps the gtreatest comedy team of all time.

[@puppetlady1]

I enjoyed every second of this great documentary. Thank-you for the upload. It's funny, but towards the end of the clip, I realized that either my computer had frozen or my mouse batteries had died. It was the latter and Hardy then states, "that's our story and we're stuck with it." I affirmed the comment and then replaced my batteries. The world is a better place because Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy were in it. Thanks for the magic. ( o : -- : o )

[@shirleyfunte3063]

Hardy looked exactly like my dad and a very productive man..He was very handsome in his church suits and in his band uniform. Dad was in several of multiple bands. He payed with Lawrence Welk one time when The band was in Cedar Rapids,Iowa the The Legion Bowling Alley. Dad didn t want us to meet him as he didn t want us to act and sing on stage.We were talented like The King Family o T V. Why?

[@icemaiden99]

Wonderful! Just wonderful.

[@rwe1havasu]

I remember when I went to high school with them, they were hilarious, always making the kids laugh. Those were the days.

[@robbrown4621]

Could someone please do a digital editing of this 1974 documentary? We will be in your debt. Thank you...

[@beesknees91]

Absolutely priceless, what a gem of a post,cheers

[@tonywilliams7147]

Tocknet thank you thank you thank you what a great programme great contributions from Bob Monkhouse Jerry Lewis Marcel Marceau Dilys Powell Hal Roach John McCabe Mrs Hardy Kenneth Tynan Basil Wright Dick van Dyke some of their co stars and many more priceless.

[@zisiskaragiannis9923]

so glad i watched this diamond !!!! :D

[@patrixspringer2753]

I saw this when I was a little kid on public TV-- once & one time only. Never forgot it & always looked for it. Thank You.

[@MacEstelle]

great documentary

[@ic2264]

Great to watch never ever forget them

[@shirleyfunte3063]

I was in plays since I was 6 years old and I sang In our church and school choirs and asked to sing solos. I was an Altoltro.

[@cookyplymouth]

what an excellent find....i remember onmibus did a stan laurel documentary sometime in the late 80's....i still have it on tape unless its on you tube already??

[@mrsbrownandhercat]

This is the Omnibus documentary, from 1974.

[@stitch7777]

Wonderful, thank you....Bow's out, tipping my hat with a satisfied grin :)

[@LouisDeeYT]

2022 anyone?

[@steven2212]

Stunning. Thank you.

[@gordonm.7387]

L&H are the lodestar of comedy I feel. Ollie puts on heirs and thinks he is clever but Stan is aware of the facade but keeps schtum. Genius comedy of the first rank. Timeless.

[@mapgugh7898]

In the words of Mr Hardy "There's nothing dumber than a dumb man who thinks he's smart".

[@bluecollar58]

Nice guys

[@zaygezunt]

Laurel and Hardy narrated by Morecambe and Wise. How perfect that two geniuses should have two giants to tell their story.

[@theequaliser8026]

The greatest comedy actorsvthis workd has ever seen

[@mjbari3]

Best doc on L&H I have ever seen! Great! Where was this when I was 13?

[@GrantMC100]

Legends

[@Bojangles5-2]

All the gratitude to Mr. Roach for giving us 'The Boys' the way we remember them, it was Director Leo McCarey, and a freak kitchen accident, that paired the two, with Director McCarey first noting the chemistry. Mr. Roach tended to take credit or, otherwise, omit details that would otherwise give credit where it was due.

[@SMG706]

your right , by far the best ... thankyou

[@Trigger_000]

Brilliant! Thanks for uploading.

[@PalmDesertRock]

it's videos like this that give me back my faith in youtube. thanks for sharing :)