The Laurel & Hardy Biopic | Fact or Fiction?

[@callmefeatured]

I had an uncle who got to meet Stan and Ollie towards the end, when Ollie was basically bedridden. He told me that they were both very genuinely nice guys who sincerely loved their fans; and even though they were old, sick, and no longer working, they would invite their fans inside just to have a small chat together and thank them for being fans of theirs. It was something that my uncle was always glad he got the opportunity for.

[@MisterNinten]

I'm going to go ahead and say this, "John C. Riley is an amazing character actor that does not get enough credit."

[@KairuHakubi]

it is weird how rarely he gets brought up. he's a damn superstar of a performer but .. i guess just being good all the time is kind of boring? Plus he gained popularity at a time when movies were kind of irritatingly low brow and we had a brief resurgence of kind of... public disdain toward popular entertainment, before that reversed again. I mean most of the big roles you think of are kinda hard sells to anyone who hasn't seen them already, Talledega Nights, Steve Brule, Stepbrothers, uhh.. seriously that's all I can think of beyond Walk Hard.. now that one is obviously easier to get traditional mainstream respect from, but it was still deliberately crass and zany. It's kinda like imagining Jim Carrey's career if he did nothing but movies like Dumb and Dumber and Ace Ventura, without the stuff like Liar Liar or The Mask to balance it out. Riley deserves a The Mask of his own. God there's one more thing he was in that's just on the top of my tongue that fits the bill better, but it's not coming to mind at all.

[@innovativeatavist159]

"I can smell!"

[@DW3010]

@@KairuHakubi He was one of the bad guys in the river wild

[@KairuHakubi]

@@DW3010 whoa, a villain? never heard of that, is it .. like HomeAloneesque? because that's the only way I can imagine John C as a villain

[@DW3010]

@@KairuHakubi 😄 no, it’s actually a serious movie. He plays a serious villain. It’s stars Glenn Close and Kevin Bacon as well. Not a bad movie for its time.

[@brandonmclendon5368]

I really loved Steve Coogan and especially John C’Riley as Laurel and Hardy, along with the makeup job that was used to make them resemble them

[@jasonblalock4429]

Yeah, I was noticing in the clips that JCR's makeup was surprisingly good. It wasn't *quite* perfect, but it's rare to see prosthetic jowls that move so realistically and without looking like foam.

[@sugreev2001]

I loved it too.

[@altonkatz2041]

This was one of my favorite movies of last year. The charisma between Coogan and Riley was just so downright sweet.

[@coolbellup6]

I loved the picture despite the altered story for dramatic effect. Two stories about the duo. In 1947 my father saw them at Newcastle Empire. He said it was fantastic, Ollie came on to the stage gave that exasperated look turned to the wings and did that finger gesture to one side than Stan came on from the other side. Ten minutes of laughter. In 1960 we were in Los Angeles, only years later did we find out That Stan had his number in the phone book so fans could organize to go and see him.

[@sugreev2001]

John C. Reilly was absolutely phenomenal, in my opinion.

[@evo5dave]

He gave a flawless performance.

[@ajjy1110]

Fat better than coogan

[@dennisdeleo74]

And Ollie would never poke Stan in the eye for a laugh…that’s a Stan retaliation bit…and although they were distant friends and co workers in the beginning, they grew rather close in their senior years. I have noticed that their popularity may have peaked here in the USA by the 1970s, they are still revered and very much loved in Ireland, England and the UK…even today. L&H’s figurines and likeness’s can be found in many a pub and drinking establishment in Europe. ( also in my home )…Thanks Joe for keeping their memories alive…

[@TheEmp48]

That's what I know too...Stan is the "eye poker" Ollie only wrang his neck once in Perfect Day... Ollie has a lot of bluster...but the only thing he ever does is huff and puff and shove...he does a LOT of shoving!!

[@AceripXF]

the eye poke thing is more 3 stooges style

[@lindaeasley5606]

They are still loved in the USA but I think the majority of the younger generation have never heard of them which is sad

[@kevinbutler1955NYC]

Stan poked Ollie in the eye in the final scene of"One Good Turn".

[@Edo_Marinus]

Loved this! Your observations about the actors being tied down by having to perform famous routines instead of being given the leeway to interpret the stage-tour stuff are spot on. But biopics are notoriously risk-averse, and there was the matter of fan service to consider, I guess. On a side note, the way Coogan gets Laurel’s voice exactly right is almost spooky… I’m always expecting Alan Partridge’s adenoidal bray to come from that particular pie hole. A-haa!

[@chrisparkes2179]

Coogan is an amazing and underrated mimic, and can create original comic characters as well. A long time ago he did six half hour comedy plays where he was a different character in each and they were brilliant. I never took to Alan Partridge, I find the real life presenters of his ilk too irritating to laugh at a spoof of them, no matter how well done. So it seems a shame to me that Coogan never did other series of one off plays in different personas.

[@AceripXF]

wait i just saw an add for alan partridge n went WHY DOES THAT LOOK LIKE STEVE COOGAN guess cos it was lol

[@MicahMicahel]

I think fan service is a dead issue here. their fans are mostly dead and the few that still appreciate them isn't enough. They ignore fan service for Marvel and other huge properties like Star Wars so I think the fanbase here would be totally ignored.

[@lancelot0274]

Also to consider: they didn't have a ton of time to make this movie, they were pushing it as is. To interpret stage acts rather than just recreate famous acts like they did I imagine would have taken longer.

[@dlxmarks]

I think the film would have faced criticism if they had invented new physical performances to go along with the stage scripts. Better to recreate genuine L&H routines than try (and potentially fail) to make something convincingly L&Hish.

[@VicMartino]

As a life long Laurel & Hardy fan I really enjoyed this movie over looking the liberties taken. I went to the theatre to see this with friends and we all really enjoyed this film.

[@Steve-gc5nt]

John and Steve did a beautiful job. Quite amazing.

[@paulsantamaria2605]

The same thing happened in "Chaplin", where events are either manufactured altogether, or sewn together - it's a major fault of Biopic move making always - other wise it's a fancy documentary. It's best to go into a film like this and enjoy the love and probably no one will ever do an L&H film again to this level, so love it for what it is. Hats off to C&R - I felt like I was watching L&H the whole time! Amazing work.

[@TirarADeguello]

Why don't they do the never made "Robin Hood" movie now, complete with 4 wall breaks, and show Laurel And Hardy in their prime, before all the health and age issues came about. I do wish they would show them that way, because then people would really understand how creative and inventive they were for their time.

[@DioBrandoWRYYYYYY]

that actually would be a very novel and original way to do a tribute movie instead of another biopic

[@Brook_tno]

Robin Hood, plus the rest of Stan's Laurel and Hardy stuff that he wrote, but never preformed.

[@FoxUnitNell]

I wouldn't have guessed film makers were planning genre satires decades before Airplane, Naked Gun and Young Frankenstien were made. Seems like film goers would have loved these series so much before the 50s that they just wouldn't enjoy a spoof of the story or genre. I get that others have done cross overs back in the day but the comedians were just not playing the characters of the story and just interacting with some more kid friendly version of such monster or cryptic. The only other film I could think of is the Great Dictator which is a Prince and Poiper sort of story spoofing of the history of the fall of all empires as they subjegate the minorities. Still a spoofing of robin hood would have been a bit more extreme for film goers since Robin must have been a boy hood hero of the guys coming back from war.

[@ianfinrir8724]

Wouldn't that just be Men In Tights?

[@chris-P-huck]

Fancy seeing you here Tirar

[@bensneb360]

Your Laurel & Hardy videos are some of the most caring and loving videos I’ve ever seen, you put so much attention and heartfelt care into them. If Stan and Oliver were alive to see this, it would fill their hearts with such pride and joy to see such admiration for their work. Thank you for sharing as always Joe, your videos got me interested into Laurel & Hardy, and I’ll always be grateful and laughing because of it, thank you.

[@paulcharpentier1241]

With historical and biographical movies it really irks me when they take creative liberties, but with this movie, watching Reilly and Coogan more than makes up for it. The love that Laurel and Hardy had for each other shows in Reilly and Coogan.

[@ulfberht4431]

And what’s wrong with creative liberties?

[@thetimturnershow2883]

It was thanks to this channel that I became a fan of famous classical comedians. From Gene Wilder to John Candy, and from Chris Farley, to now Laurel & Hardy. God Bless you, Joe, for creating this beautiful content. Keep up the Great Work!!

[@jeffyates4813]

Stan and Ollie need to be remembered as a couple of gentle guys who made us laugh, slapstick that was not made to be aggressive toward each other.

[@PS.Lomedhi]

A gorgeous piece, Joe. As always. I agree with your heartfelt and accurate criticisms about the central conflict, and would have loved to see some of the unfilmed material recreated here. I adore this flick. The final dance chokes me up every time. The hotel check-in scene slays me. Their conversation on the boat deck reminds me how noble small acts of friendship can be. My hat is indeed off to you.

[@KRAFTWERK2K6]

I remember when i saw the first trailer and felt like "Ok, i HAVE to see it" because the casting choice looked promising and it actually made you feel something which not many trailers really do. As soon as the Blu-ray was available i went for it. They did a great job. The film is touching, well made and a really wonderful tribute to Mr. Laurel and Mr. Hardy. The only thing i kinda disliked was the overall flat looking obvious digital cinematography so the video aesthetic kinda pulled you out a of it a bit. Other than that the film itself is great and definitely a must watch.

[@michaelfontanelli2450]

Agree completely. Life-long L&H aficionado here, and I also loved this movie despite the flaws you mentioned. Here are a few more: *Awful portrayal of Hal Roach as a 2-dimensional bully. *Awful casting of Harry Langdon cameo. *Implication that UK tours were sparsely attended, which is not true. *Implication that Stan considered and tried out Hardy replacements, which is also untrue. Along with the over-emphasis on petty squabbling and the inaccurate stage show recreations, these are significant flaws. But they’re more than made up for by the stellar performances of the two (really four) leads, who are nothing short of miraculous!

[@l.salisbury1253]

You're right about the unfair portrail of Roach. In later years Stan admitted that, while he and Roach, didn't always see eye-to-eye Roach did let them have creative freedom. (Which was more than he could say for "those Fox people!")

[@Jamesamong007]

I think this is how the Three Stooges biopic should have been like.

[@KeysToTheCastleMusic]

The movie brought brought back so much nostalgia and feelings for me. I remember watching Laurel & Hardy when my father used to watch them. He passed away 4 years before this movie came out. I think he would have really liked it.

[@BugsyFoga]

Biopics made about Comedy legends are always the ones that fascinate me the most .

[@rufust.firefly2474]

Except for, " w. C. Fields and me. " Slanderous. Carlotta was a friend of mine in her old age and she thought so as well. Steiger didn't look like fields or act like him and portrayed him as just a really nasty drunk. Really scandalous

[@joewapniarski]

I agree. You have to find a capable actor that looks like the comedian he/she is portraying and can be funny doing it. This movie may have come closest in those regards.

[@kevinbutler1955NYC]

Babe Hardy was never a lazy A-! He worked dilliengetly in the films and on the music hall and cabaret stages with Stan. And Stan never objected to his partner performing with Mr.Langdon in "Zenobia"..in fact? Stan insisted that Babe take on the role of "Dr.Henry Tibbet".

[@Brook_tno]

I've been waiting for a video like this, since I saw Stan and Ollie. Thank you!

[@neptunejmax]

Your assessment is absolutely spot on. The few choices that annoyed you were exactly the same as the ones that bothered me, particularly the fabricated conflict over Zenobia and the missed opportunity to perform the skits they ACTUALLY did on stage. Well done, sir. You're obviously a real L&H fan.

[@chrishunter8305]

Went to see this in the cinema in 2019...and kinda restored a hope that the art of cinema wasn't dead.

[@GrantTarredus]

Thanks for such a nuanced, loving but fair appraisal of a wonderful film. My own scarcely varies enough to warrant mentioning. My brother Rick Gardner and I grew up with the genius of Laurel and Hardy entertaining, teaching and nourishing us; they were our friends, and we loved them first because they exuded sweetness and warmth even in chaos, and second because they were so funny. We watched them endlessly, not caring how many times we had seen the films or how thoroughly we knew the dialogue and tiny details in the cutting. We cherished every moment either of them was on the screen, whether there was a laugh in it or not (there usually was); either way, our thrill was being in the company of those beautiful, magical guys. We played with Laurel and Hardy toys before we knew who they were. They were called “bendies,” poseable figures of rubber and wire, and we called them “fat guy and skinny guy.” We knew their names before we could tie our shoes, and soon others rolled off our tongues, like Charlie Hall, Mae Busch, James Finlayson, Tiny Sanford, Thelma Todd and Edgar Kennedy, thanks to our library’s copy of The Films of Laurel and Hardy by William K. Everton. I pretended I’d lost it and my parents paid the library for it. By the time they found it hidden in my room I had read it so often the binding was gone and pages were everywhere. Rick and I are 60 and 61 now, and our love for Laurel and Hardy is deeper, richer, coupled with gratitude and tinged with the bittersweet perspective of time. Last night we watched Below Zero, discussing Blanche Payson while she destroys Ollie’s double bass and Stan’s folding harpsichord. She essentially plays the same monster in Our Wife as Ben Turpin’s daughter and in Helpmates as the wife who sends Ollie home “sadder, wiser and dizzier” with a bent sword, which we giggled at as kids but howl at as men. Thank you, Stan and Ollie, for the laughs and for the love, wherever, whatever you are.

[@brazenlilhussy5975]

What a fantastically written comment/ tribute/story. Here's to you and your brother Rick get to stay watching and discussing as long as ye both like.

[@jaredofmo]

I've bought all of Laurel and Hardy's films together on DVD and Blu-ray and a number of their solo movies. I got this on Blu-ray as well.

[@Nono-hk3is]

They got the expressions and mannerisms so well!

[@leebrown1049]

Steve Coogan should have won an Oscar for his role

[@wstine79]

I hope you do some videos about the Marx Brothers. They were a great comedy troupe and great group of brothers.

[@TheTrainFan9]

Groucho Marx is the original master of the one liner. I love watching him just roast the hell out of everyone around him.

[@JaredGriffiths2000]

He talked a bit about The Marx Brothers in his review of a movie called Brain Donors.

[@diddymuck]

@@JaredGriffiths2000 Brain Donors was a terrif pastiche of GHC's Night at the Opera. would be a prime target for analysis!

[@AceripXF]

i LOVE the MB harpo n chico are my favs!

[@AceripXF]

@@TheTrainFan9 esp on YBYL LOL

[@EidolonMedia]

How about a 'Genius of James Finlayson' episode?

[@samuelbarber6177]

I really liked this movie. Even if it’s inaccurate, which is the same for every historical film, I still really appreciate it as a movie, and even a great comedy. Seriously, it made me laugh out loud on more than one occasion while watching, a great choice to cast two great real comedians as Stan and Ollie. And honestly, the movie’s such a breeze. Like, it’s ninety minutes, but it feels so much shorter, at least to me. One thing that I feel it just barely avoided was the temptation to just recreate footage of them. A lot of entertainment biopics do fall into the trap of being a greatest hits collection and this film, I feel, only just barely missed that. I also like how the movie didn’t just go for the typical biopic and simply told one story in their lives rather than telling their full story. Though, I dislike how the movie manufactured drama like Bohemian Rhapsody.

[@nationalist818]

Im glad you brought up the BBC movie, I think it aired in parts on BBC, because I had a C band satellite dish and found it one night had to stay up real late to watch the rest of it on another night. I remember liking it and it taking years to find in the states.

[@TheEmp48]

Part 2: I LOVE that cut away shot in Blotto where they both look like they are watching the movie saying..."What...?" Stan had great affection for Harry Langdon...and he did give Babe his blessings for doing this movie and Fighting K...he was sick at the time and I believe he knew Babe needed the work...there was no ill feelings... however I love what Babe said when he was asked to do more with John Wayne...he turned it down because he didn't want to work without his partner...that is loyalty and dedication to his teammate Stan remarked in his letters from time to time that Babe did make other pictures without him and he never did...I don't know if he was "saying" something there or not...but he supported Babe's decision more than the movie made it out to be The problem I think the writers had was trying to come up with some kind of conflict because these two men really didn't have any!! They had to think of something that would be dramatic and move the movie Forward and they thought that Ollie stepping out to make another movie without Stan was a betrayal and worked from there...

[@KidFresh71]

What a great cast, and impressive makeup work. I must give this a watch.

[@RossLager]

I really enjoy watching a video from someone who admires Laurel and Hardy as much as I do. They hold a very special place in my heart and it's nice to see people sincerely talk about them.

[@sharpie6136]

I've seen this Movie STAN & OLLIE and I enjoyed it very much, I still love watching there original old Movies

[@73rexben]

Love this movie we got it for my father last year in January. unfortunately he passed away at the end of that month but he loved this movie. Really happy I could find it.

[@Aster_Risk]

I love your channel, because this is yet another video pushing me to look into things I haven't gotten around to. Several clips throughout this video alone made me tear up, and I'm absolutely going to acquaint myself with Laurel and Hardy's work now.

[@vicaldama9314]

John C. Riley hid so far in the make up I kept seeing Tom Wilkinson! LOL.

[@happymaskedguy1943]

I'm pretty sure the gig in Glasgow was a big success - Laurel and Hardy have a loyal following in Scotland, especially Glasgow (Stan Laurel attended school in the South of the city I believe).

[@Bugsfella]

I do agree that it was dissapointing to not actually see the Driver's License sketch at least. The script exists, photos exist and audio recordings exist. They could have done that and I think should have tried for a real treat in the picture. The skit where they are at the train station and keep missing each other, though loosely based on the same situation in the 1929 film Berth Marks, is a different take on it and fun to see. I think the scenes where they showed the tension, especially in that after show party showed a stronger friendship. I do not agree with the contention that it showed a crack in their relationship. I think quite the contrary. It shows that the best of friends can sometimes be quite mean to each other and say things they do not really mean and their friendship was strong enough to take those moments. At least that is what I felt watching that scene. The animosity Stan felt for Zenobia being false had me a little bummed. Stan supported Ollie and Ollie supported Stan in so many ways that I totally believe Stan gave Ollie his blessing to do that film. Still, a very enjoyable film and also a lot of fun and emotions. I saw Stan also. It is also great. Try to find. and watch.

[@owenslaughter9438]

Back in college I took a Film History class and the Professor also taught it in the theme of genre when I took it it just happened to be comedy and I loved it. We got to see all these greats comedies.

[@mathieuleader8601]

Riley's and Coogan's verisimilitude is masterful

[@RedAsti]

I also love this film and how beautifully it's acted, but being a member of a UK branch of the Sons of the Desert there's so many things that the films gets factually wrong. For example, the film ends with Laurel and Hardy finishing up their British tour in Ireland, when it actuality that's where they *started* the tour. Throughout the film, you see British theatres empty, implying that no-one went to see them when they performed, which couldn't be further from the truth. My grandad and great-uncle both went with their parents to see them perform, and they said the queue was extraordinary - "Beatlemania before The Beatles" is how my uncle described it. Fortunately, they had booked tickets in advance and managed to see them! Another point is that Delfont, who they present as though they have never met him before, organised The Boys' tour in 1947 as well. There's a few other points too, but I think you get the picture. All in all though, it is a thoroughly enjoyable film, and the story is great and the casting couldn't be better - just keep in mind when you watch it that it has no basis in reality!

[@erikramaekers63]

Babe trusted Laurel and they never had a serious argument.The only double act who got along

[@chrisparkes2179]

@@erikramaekers63 Apart from Morecambe and Wise.

[@marcdelente2456]

Je pense que les fans devraient comprendres que le biopic et même si il y a quelques erreurs le film est basé sur un livre bien réaliste laurel et hardy on tour in ingland.

[@raychambers3646]

Saw this film when it came out ,well acted , deserved Oscar's.

[@ryandowney8743]

I love love love this film! And I do agree with you that the conflict feels a little forced just to have drama (and when I first watched it I didn't know how much the events were changed from real life). When I heard about the basic plot I was afraid they were going to be bickering with each other for most of the movie, but instead we spend much of the movie together getting back into the swing of their friendship. So most of the movie is a very positive and uplifting experience.

[@jamesread88]

Amazing work dude 😁 as always. You have a wonderful way to teach and entertain in such a streamlined way.

[@kirbymarchbarcena]

The movie may not be totally accurate but I feel liking it.

[@northshore1000]

Came across this movie on a streaming channel, didn’t even know about it. Have to say, I was dumbfounded by the performances. Academy Award worthy!! And the production design was superior. Loved it!!

[@themysteriouscatperson9483]

I really love this Biopic, I think it is really sweet and well acted, I liked the one they made in 2006 too, especially the ending where Stan figures out what Oliver is trying to say

[@themysteriouscatperson9483]

@changethewords2 Yeah Stan himself was heavily exaggerated but I think they changed a lot to fit into the story they wanted to tell, instead of the one that actually happened, I did like that ending tho

[@TheTrainFan9]

The manufactured drama in the movie of Stan getting pissy about Ollie doing a solo film reminds me of the manufactured drama in Bohemian Rhapsody where the rest of Queen got pissed at Freddie Mercury making a solo album, whereas in real life the rest of the band couldn't have cared less about Freddie's solo projects. It just takes you out of it ever so slightly.

[@Rocket1377]

Sometimes that is necessary to tell a story. Without drama, there is nothing to engage the viewer. That's the difference between a movie and a documentary.

[@torstenscholz6243]

Other members of Queen even had made solo/side projects way *before* Mercury released his first solo record, so this conflict is completely made up. Also, Mercury didn't tell the band about his infection shortly before the Live 8 concert, but years later. I agree that for a biopic, adjustments of the reality behind the story have to be made in order to fit the dramatic dynamic and pace of a film, but the line between makking a few small adjustments and changing history is often a thin one.

[@whodatninja439]

@@Rocket1377 but it's still bullshit that paints the other members in a negative light

[@whodatninja439]

@@Rocket1377 theres enough real drama in freddys life to make a movie

[@Ninjachucks]

You do such a good job with these videos, keep it up!

[@HatsOffEntertainment]

Thanks!

[@bebopkirby]

Laurel & Hardy was going to be a tuff act to follow from the get go. The fact that it had a lot of heart, and the two wives helped a lot to get it pass it’s short comings.

[@Kinnikujoe1]

I’m so glad you made this video!

[@mollymcdade4031]

Thank you so much for bringing up the contract dispute. It’s such an annoying choice by the movie to pretend that Xenobia was a betrayal rather than something Hal Roach forced Ollie into under his contract. John C Reilly is stunning as Ollie. In the L&H biography his widow laid out what kind of actor she’d want to play him and it’s a perfect match. Steve Coogan does a good Stan Laurel impression although he sometimes sounds like he has a bad cold. (Fun fact: in that same biography Stan was asked the same question and said ‘if they did make a movie, and I hope they don’t, I’d want it to be Dick Van Dyke’)

[@mollymcdade4031]

An extra heartbreaking detail but Stan did go and see Oliver on his death bed, it’s recounted in his biography. Hardy couldn’t speak at that point but they mimed out their communication as they said goodbye to one another. Every time I think about it I cry

[@melissacooper4282]

I remember watching the movie Zenobia. Although it was an alright film it was just that Oliver Hardy and Harry Langdon didn't have the same chemistry as Hardy was to Stan Laurel.

[@MrBigDub]

It's interesting you mentioned that last point. In an episode of the Dick Van Dyke Show, Dick does a decent impression of Laurel.

[@AceripXF]

@@mollymcdade4031 thats bitter sweet

[@quad5186]

I was thinking of that before I saw your comment. Dick Van Dyke tells a sweet story of how much he loved him and how he got to meet him, can’t remember where I saw it.

[@PaceFilmsProductions]

It felt like there was a weird cgi effect over the entire movie. It felt like I was watching original footage superimposed over this modern footage the actors were so spot on with the acting and the mannerisms while still allowing the performances to bring themselves into the roles.

[@mrcritical6751]

Seeing you talk about the Stan TV movie with Jim Norton even briefly makes me want to see you talk about Father Ted

[@mikeymizor2934]

BROOKLYN NY, The Original Kings of Comedy, Rest in Paradise Gentlemen, Thanks for all the joy & Laughter u brought to us All

[@TheEmp48]

Part 3: No I think Stan respected Ollie enough not to call him a lazy ass to his face in front of a crowd but their dispositions and personalities were way off the spectrums from each other... Here I think they could have developed the conflict more... Stan was a A type personality and Ollie was a B they got it right when they were talking about Stan's dedication to his career work and films and Ollie's seemingly carefree attitude where he just wanted to play all the time that kind of rubs and A type personality under their skin...but you can't have a lot of drama with that so they just had to embellish some things but I agree they could have not harped so hard on the "Elephant film"...

[@thebookhito5004]

Your video is really on point. I very much enjoyed Stan & Ollie, but I think it could have been a bit more. I didn't know there are scripts and such from the later tours. That in itself could make a great movie if they would ever do something like this again. Even if they give it kind of a Hollywood angle; they could make it that they are going to try a new production on the tour and the build up for that. Just have them show where the ideas might come from. Thanks for making this video (and all the other ones). It was really well made.

[@cabowerks3973]

You know John C Reilly & Steve Coogan did such a good job together that I would love to see a Comedy movie with them as a duo of new characters so that writers directors and two of them could have more freedom. Clearly the two have good chemistry together otherwise they wouldn’t of been able to make a convincing Laurel and Hardy

[@torstenscholz6243]

Yeah, I really would enjoy it if they made something similar to the 2012 Three Stooges film - putting the old characters into new stories and environments.

[@AnthonyWLeone]

I agree with you and I hate how bio-pics create fictional scenarios just to create drama. Just show us what really happened. Real life has drama enough. There is no need to add fiction to it.

[@TheChrisHype]

I mean...look at the man's thumbnail. Did you really think he wouldn't cover Stan and Ollie?

[@davidprenticeii6742]

Understandably, a movie made now in days take certain liberties with what really happened. That being said, what I truly loved about this picture was that it was a Hollywood love story in the regards of how these two men formed a comedic partnership that made each one better from it. Add to that the performances of Reilly and Coogan, I left the theater feeling like Laurel and Hardy had managed to come back from the great beyond. It would be really cool if they would go back and film some of those bits from the tour to make as an added feature for a collectors edition of the film. I know I would pay good money for it.

[@garytheroux9526]

I fully agree with the conclusions drawn in this video -- both regarding the accurancy and errors in "Stan and Ollie." As a longtime Son of the Desert, I was thrilled when the movie got things right (like the inside peek at the fabled "Lot of Fun" (the Hal Roach Studios) and cringed when the movre got things wrong (like the fake conflict between Laurel & Hardy). I would have preferred if the film had been a more encompassing biopic rather than one which focused almost entirely on the duo's sad decline. The re-creations of Stan and Ollie in "Stan and Ollie" were both very good, although the capture of Stan was a little bit off -- as was the "Stan" in "For Love or Mummy." In the latter film, Gailard Sartan absolutelty nailed Ollie. It's just unfortunate that Larry "Bozo" Harmon, who owns all rights to Stan and Ollie's characterss, had to insert himself -- and Bozo (!) -- into that film.

[@---qh9tb]

Wild to see you here.. Big fan!!

[@nateg6320]

I just wish I could have met both of them and let them know how much I, and so many people appreciate them both.

[@NomadicBrian]

Interesting tidbits to set straight some of the artistic license of the film. I really did enjoy this film myself. I remember reading a biography of Laurel and Hardy for a Film Comedy class I took in college. Then my final paper was on them. That biography was filled with sweet and wonderful moments involving the two of them so I have to side with you on replacing some of the confrontational scenes. For example in the book I read I cited that in some small towns they visited on tour all the bells in town rang to signal their arrival and people would come out in droves for a chance to welcome them. It was all about love and laughter.

[@Jared_Wignall]

I’ve not seen this film, but I’ve heard the performances are good and it’s regarded as being very good. Thank you for making this video Joe, I always learn something from these videos. Keep up the great work!

[@pierrebegley2746]

Yeah! As a fan of theirs as a child, I did think it was really nice. Well worth a watch if you're a fan!

[@BoyNamedSue4]

Been wanting you to cover this since I discovered the channel

[@ryanahr2267]

I'm still learning about Stan and Ollie, so I didn't know just how manufactured that drama was until after I finished the movie. Great film, though. I wish it had gotten more love. It's definitely one of my favorites, now

[@AceripXF]

same!

[@claydobbins9342]

I didn't see the movie, but I wonder, was it mentioned that their them song, "March of the Coocoos" was written by Stan Laurel.

[@LATVERIAN1]

Laurel & Hardy; the GREATEST comedy team ever!

[@Bixfan78]

I liked John C. Reilly's performance very much. Steve Coogan got the off-screen Stan right, but never nailed on-screen (or on-stage) Stan. (When he did the smile, he kept his eyes too wide, for one thing.) There was enough genuine drama in Stan and Babe's lives and careers in 1953 so that the fabricated drama was unnecessary. (Stan did not have a simmering resentment toward Babe for making "the elephant picture." Stan had been fired by Roach in August 1938, while Babe was still under contract to Roach. Stan understood the situation and was fully supportive of Babe in "Zenobia.") The actresses playing Ida and Lucille were a good physical match, but the way their relationship was depicted was incorrect. Lucille told me that they got along very well. Ida was not the icy creature that she seemed in "Stan & Ollie." I've never seen a photo of her where she isn't laughing uproariously or showing a radiant smile. Worst of all, Hal Roach was portrayed as a guy who cared only about money. He told me in 1981, "Never in my life was it, ‘Oh, my God, the money I’m going to lose on this,’ or ‘The money I’m going to make on that.’ The whole basis was either how good or how bad the picture was. That applies to everything I made. I never in my whole career paid any particular attention to the finances.”

[@mopo3210]

Another great video. Would love if you did Walk Hard: the Dewey Cox Story. Good parody of musical biopics and has a great soundtrack

[@thevfxmancolorizationvfxex4051]

I love that film. Coogan and Riley were amazing

[@patmac1134]

I have seen interviews of them both together and individually. Oliver Hardy, on several occasions, stated that Stan was the comic genius. I also remember seeing an interview of Stan basically stating what the British Biopic stated, where Stan said that he would never have had the success that they achieved as a team if he were a solo act. Also, people that knew them always talked about the genuine fondness that they had for each other. Every relationship has it's ups and downs, but it is a sad truth what liberties people take by making controversial inferences. Laurel and Hardy were the best comedy team that ever existed or will ever exist, and there have been many great teams such as the Marx Brothers, Abbott And Costello, the Stooges. Loved your video and subscribed to your channel.

[@RJSRdg]

Another error/'creative licence' that 'got' me was their apparent jealousy of Norman Wisdom. In reality they were both good friends with Norman - Stan even found an agent for him, and on one occasion offered to perform Norman's wallpaper sketch with him after Norman's partner broke his ankle (sadly theatre management vetoed it as they didn't want Stan breaking his ankle....). By and large, I think the film is well-acted, but I think the fictionalised animosity paints Stan and Ollie in an unfavourable light.

[@grohlbabe]

I only " got into" L &H a couple of years ago ( I know where have I been right?) And can honestly say im a little obssessed with them now. Truly were comedy geniuses and their films mostly 70 _80 years old still stands the tests of time. Loved this film thought it a great homage

[@torstenscholz6243]

So true. They really are one of, if not *the* greatest comedic act to ever hit the stage. Imho they were way better than Chaplin, Keaton, Marx Brothers or the Three Stooges, who were of course all great comedians as well, but L&H's comedic dynamic remains unrivalled, and their humor has also aged much better than all the other ones's and really is the prime definition of timeless comedy.

[@DD-ix3bm]

This came out in 2018, and for some reason this is the first time I've heard about their movie!! Thanks for the review! Now I'm going to have to watch it!

[@gamewizard1760]

I do not think your criticism of the Way out West dance is warranted. John C Riley stated in an interview, that that was the one scene in the whole film that they wanted to do as close to the original as they possibly could, and they practiced it over and over to make sure they were doing it exactly as S&O would have. I believe that it was out of respect for the fans, and out of respect for Stan and Ollie, that they left it alone, and did not try to make it their own.

[@hunterjames4915]

I loved this movie. And I'm grateful for your video essays on these biopics. I know you've covered a few, but I was wondering if you'd seen "Holy Flying Circus"? It's a docudrama surrounding "Monty Python's Life of Brian," and the resulting television debate.

[@kev3d]

I didn't know this movie existed, but I will be sure to watch it now.

[@freakshowfilmfestival3591]

It made me laugh, which means their comedy holds up.

[@brycevo]

This film is how I was reintroduced to the duo, after my grandparents showed me some of the original films years ago. I appreciate it

[@whoisharo4689]

Whoa! Where did u find the photo at 12:48? I'm a huge L&H fan and I've never seen that one. Its from i believe Busy Bodies. Cool behind the scenes photo! Good vid!

[@soggycheesefry]

Watching this wonderful film lead me here! Thanks so much for such wonderful mini docs!

[@beeking1792]

Honestly I don’t have the time to watch any of Laurel and Hardy’s movies yet, but I do find these types of videos interesting keep them up Hats Off Entertainment!

[@DenkyManner]

Watch the shorts in KZbin. 20 minutes.

[@brutallyhonest123]

We just spent a year locked inside our homes and you didn’t have time?

[@beeking1792]

@@brutallyhonest123 I still have required things to do that reduces time for me to watch their movies ok. (I WILL NOT SAY WHAT MY REQUIRED THINGS TO DO ARE SO JUST LIVE WITH IT OK!)

[@lordteabelly]

Great video! and i tend to agree regarding the 'tension' in the movie, but as you said and we knew, as a movie they needed to create it for a story, so i can look past it i guess knowing the true story and just see it as a movie fabrication. we all know the stories of roach having them signed to separate contracts anyway. All in all i thought it was a superbly made, acted and emotionally performed movie. I grew up with L&H, watching my dads vhs collection, seeing all his memorailia, visiting the museum in ulverston as a young kid. Every weekend my gran would babysit me and my sister while my parents worked, we would watch the movies and laugh so much...its these reasons that at the end of the movie i literally had tears and cried, it was so touching and just brought a flood of memories back for me of my late gran. I love and adore l&h and the marx brothers, id love to see videos on them too.

[@freakshowfilmfestival3591]

Thank you for adding that clip from STAN. Just that short scene was well acted.

[@panteraxenos4789]

Yeah that line about Stan calling Ollie a lazy ass bothered me as well.

[@RooneyToony]

I’ve been looking forward to this video for a long time! Please watch this movie if you haven’t yet!

[@captaingeneroddenberry8439]

Both Steve Coogan and John C. Riley did an amazing job playing Laurel & Hardy in their early days of the studio and in they're tour in Europe. It was a love letter to Laurel and Hardy.

[@robertbowles5156]

Back in the late seventies I was driving cab in Rochester NY. I picked up an elderly man and somehow we got on these 2 comedic giants and he said he knew Ollie back before he was with Stanley. He said he was just a kid doing prat falls and skits for whoever was around. I really wish I could remember everything he told me but forty plus years is a long time ago, but I was in awe someone who actually knew one of the all time greatest

[@theflyingninja1]

Steve Coogan should have won an Oscar for this film.

[@TheBjberkow]

Wasn’t even nominated which is baffling.

[@AnilSubhrai]

I totally agree. I personally think Steve Coogan did a fantastic job as he captured the essence of Stan’s persona.

[@Disneynurse2024]

Indeed the sene were they fight is so good you can realy see that is breaking tere hearts

[@roberts.arnone1808]

Really enjoyed this. I can’t agree more with all your points expressed in this video. I think it would be great for John C Riley and Steve Coogan to pair up again and do more with Laurel and Hardy. Maybe they could make a better “love or Mummy” flick Idk just a thought. Fun fact: Spanky McFarlane, from the Our Gang and Little Rascals, produced by Hal Roach studios, modeled his double take off the man that perfected it, Oliver Hardy.

[@TheBeird]

This is a great channel. Can’t articulate my liking of it any better

[@HatsOffEntertainment]

Cheers!

[@beebomcgroober9316]

I loved this movie. I loved how wholesome it was. Everything nowadays is about subverting expectations and digging up the dirt on your would-be heroes. But this was just a movie about the graceful end of the career of two life-long friends.

[@MXOY99]

The movie managed to make me cry. It was very good. The inaccuracies bugged me though.

[@DenkyManner]

The end got me, the shadows of them dancing and the text about Stan continuing to write scripts for them after Hardy had died. But yeah, their big melodramatic bust up seemed really stupid, especially when they supposedly never argued at all, never mind anything like that

[@MXOY99]

@@DenkyManner they need to stop putting this melodramatic structure in biopics. It makes me really uncomfortable especially when we all know they never argued. And for them to be mad at each other? I find it hard to believe and it feels like Hollywood constantly does it.

[@LNSLateNightSaturday]

You have single-handedly made me interested in Laurel and Hardy through your documentaries. Thanks, and job well done!