Truly Dreadful Film

Just what I expected

I wanted to like it more than I actually did... But much of the humor totally escaped me and I walked out only mildly impressed.

This story has more twists and turns than a second-rate soap opera.

Many years ago, someone once told me that I shouldn't watch "Chickens Come Home" as it isn't one of Laurel and Hardy's best. Well, after seeing this film I 100% disagree. There are some great laughs as Ollie's campaign in becoming mayor of the city is in jeopardy. The reason for this, is that an old flame threatens to reveal Ollie's rather colourful past. The former girlfriend is played by the indomitable Mae Busch. She was rock solid support for Laurel and Hardy and a powerful actress. Stan is sent to stop the blackmailing and to save Ollie's political career! I enjoyed the scenes at Hardy's home the most as he struggles to entertain some rather influential friends. Thelma Todd is very good as Mrs. Hardy as she easily suspects her husband has something to hide...... The look on the face of Ollie as he nervously sings for his guests at home, can speak a dozen words! Sheer fright and panic! James Finlayson appears as the household butler. It didn't immediately occur to me but Laurel and Hardy don't have screen time together, apart from the opening scene and the climax. A very funny short and a three reel one - 28 minutes.

Well, not really. Only the background plot is about Hardy running for office and the rest is the unpolitical comedy they always do. This is one of the duo's longest short films at almost 30 minutes. Of course it is in black and white and we hear them talking as the silent era is long over already by 1931. And everything is as always too for Stan and Ollie, especially in terms of the cast and crew. The director, writer and co-stars in here worked with the two comedians on many occasions. I have to say in terms of comedy I did not find this half hour too successful and I don't think it's among the duo's best works. However, it is an interesting watch for one other reason namely the perception of politicians in general media in the 1930s. Lets be honest, the photo that the woman used to bribe Ollie was really tame for today's standards, but it would have been quite a scandal back in the day I guess. Oh yeah and we also learn that Mrs. Laurel is a tough one and definitely the dominant half in their relationship. Not enough though to make it work for almost 30 minutes. Not recommended.

Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy are the most famous comedy duo in history, and deservedly so, so I am happy to see any of their films. Basically Ollie is running for mayor, when old flame (Mae Busch) shows up with a photo of him and her together, blackmailing him to give her money to keep quiet. Stan is the one who has to keep her from getting to Mrs. Hardy (Thelma Todd), who is busy at a dinner party. Of course, the old flame and Stan squabble for a while, but she gets away eventually, and reaches Ollie's house, where the photo is brought by Stan, and there is a situation to hide it, but in the end, Ollie and Stan run away, including from Mrs. Laurel (Norma Drew) with a small axe. Also starring James Finlayson as the suspicious Butler who will only keep quiet when paid by Ollie. There were the tiniest moments of comedy, but it isn't a great black and white film. Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy were number 7 on The Comedians' Comedian. Okay!

For my money this is probably my favorite of the L&H shorts (except, maybe for "Two Tars," or perhaps "County Hospital," or maybe "Helpmates," or "Another Fine Mess," or could be "Them Thar Hills"... oh well; you get the point). It's a hoot to see grandly pompous Ollie, in his run for mayor, brought low by the machinations of a former paramour from his "primrose days." Mae Busch, a stalwart regular in the L&H flicks, is wickedly wonderful as the old girlfriend. Ollie's sub rosa business with his knowing butler, good old Jimmy Finlayson, is a delight, and the comic high point - a thoroughly discomfited Ollie warbling "Somebody's Coming to My House" for his dinner guests, accompanied by his wife - as disaster approaches, is a treasure. The Boys will always live in the memory of their devoted fans, to whom they brought so much joy.