It is unthinkable to contemplate this but at one point, Laurel and Hardy were on the verge of fading into obscurity. The critics were never very complimentary to the team whilst they were creating comedy gold (what the hell do critics know about comedy?). Other comedy teams who were around at the same time, often received more attention from the critics. However, it is interesting to note that all of those other teams have disappeared off the radar these days. Laurel and Hardy are universally loved and even those people who don't like them, have still heard of them. I bet Stan and Ollie are having a bit of a chuckle at all this! Robert Youngson was instrumental in introducing Stan and Ollie to what was then a new audience (1965 - the year Laurel passed away). Youngson achieved this by selecting some well chosen excerpts from some of the silent shorts. Wisely, he allows whole gags to be included otherwise it would be disappointing. Another comedian who did fade away but whose work is highlighted, is Charley Chase. He was the top comedian for Hal Roach before Laurel and Hardy replaced him. His excerpts are very good. I realise that some fans don't really care for the music or the sound effects used for this compilation. I can understand why but I can tolerate both.
"Laurel and Hardy's Laughing 20s" was released to cinemas across America and the takings were very good indeed.
"Laurel and Hardy's Laughing 20s" was released to cinemas across America and the takings were very good indeed.