The Great Laurel and Hardy ππ
They first appeared together in a short film called ( Lucky Dog ) in 1921 although they didn't appear as a partnership until a later production called ( Putting Pants On Phillip ) in 1927.
They'd signed with Hal Roach under separate contracts a year earlier in 1926. Hal had noticed an obvious on screen chemistry between the pair and encouraged them to work together which they did creating some of their most iconic roles. Sometimes I think Hal Roach's contribution gets a little overlooked which is why I've decided to include a wonderful interview he did with David Letterman. Laurel and Hardy split from Roach in 1940 but for me Universal had a little too much of a hands on approach. I felt the creative freedom Roach had given them in those early years had gone and it began to show as their later material started to look more like that of the studios than anything they themselves had created. For me the Universal years were a far cry from the heights of those wonderful classics with Hal Roach. I think Stan Laurel himself would admit to this in one of his later interviews.
I decided it might be a good idea to start off with a rare two part interview given by Stan Laurel, it's well worth a listen π. I'll also add the classic dance routine from Way Out West followed by Hal Roach's interview , enjoy π
This is a fantastic interview with Hal Roach and David Letterman where he discusses his early years working with Laurel and Hardy and others.
Hal Roach born Elmira New York ( Jan 14th - 1892 ) died Bel Air Los Angeles ( Nov 2nd- 1992 )
Stan Laurel born Ulverston United Kingdom ( Jun 16th - 1890 ) died Santa Monica ( Feb 23rd - 1965 )
Oliver Hardy born Harlem Georgia ( Jan 18th - 1892 ) , died in North Hollywood ( Aug 7th - 1957 )
May they all rest in peace , thanks for the memories π
