I watched this immediately after watching the 1931 remake (which is a genuine Laurel & Hardy film rather than a movie in which they both happen to appear) and it was a weird experience. The Oliver Hardy role is taken by James Finlayson who plays the butler in the remake. Hardy plays the judge and is barely recognisable behind a wig and thick moustache.
The film is quite amusing, although it's difficult to judge objectively after seeing the remake. By 1931 the boys had had time to polish their act and some of the comic moments were embellished upon. This is still enjoyable enough, though. Elements of Laurel's character as it would become once he teamed with Hardy peep through every now and then, but his hair's slicked back and he isn't quite the helpless child he would become.
The film is quite amusing, although it's difficult to judge objectively after seeing the remake. By 1931 the boys had had time to polish their act and some of the comic moments were embellished upon. This is still enjoyable enough, though. Elements of Laurel's character as it would become once he teamed with Hardy peep through every now and then, but his hair's slicked back and he isn't quite the helpless child he would become.