Another fine mess for Stan

Laurel and Hardy started their career together in the silent film era. Unlike some of the entertainers around today They did not feel the need to patronise their audiences by holding lofty political stances. There was no virtue signalling Champagne socialism.

Stan Laurel was born in the UK and Oliver Hardy came from the USA.

They were extremely talented showmen, masters of the slapstick genre. The chemistry between the two was exquisite. The pomposity of Ollie, paired with the almost childlike naivety of Stan may appear to represent a simple, less troublesome era but the stark reality told a different story. Imagine living during the time of the prohibition period?

There was some other bad stuff; the great depression, Midwest drought and crop failure.

A particular sketch called 'Swiss miss' makes me scream so much with maniacal laughter that I fear I may be rendered incontinent.

The sketch Involves

Stan attempting to dupe a St Bernard rescue dog into giving him a drink. I cannot remember the breed of dog; it was one of those types that carry a little barrel of brandy, presumably for the refreshment of a rescued pilgrim tied to its collar. The sceptical cur eventually capitulates and Stan takes a tentative sip, smacking his lips in approval. He takes larger nips until finally he is chugging the heady bevvy, his jerking Adam's apple has now become a blur. The results of his imbibing are now evident. His speech is slurred and he has got the hiccups. He is struck by fit of the giggles.

It is Ollie's trademark look of exasperation directly into the camera that undoes me completely.

Anthony Fenlon

Waterlooville