The Boys: The Cinematic World of Laurel and Hardy

by Scott Allen Nollen

The Boys provides new ways to view and evaluate the work of this famous comedy team. The initial chapter summarizes the critical reception of the two and compares Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy to other contemporary comedians. Brief biographies analyze their early solo films and the development of the team. Special attention is given to the team's cinematic and comic style, use of camera techniques, early sound practice, and gag development. The comics' complex relationship is detailed and analyzed. A complete filmography, including a rating and an indication of contents, covers each film. The team's final film, Atoll K (1951), is discussed in depth. Throughout the text quotes from such persons as Laurel and Hardy themselves, Buster Keaton, George Stevens, Dick Van Dyke, and Woody Allen enlighten and entertain. Great stills and posters.

167 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1989

Reviews

[Stephen Hero · Rating 3 out of 5]

The love and affection we found that day at Cobh, Ireland was simply unbelievable. There were hundreds of boats blowing whistles and mobs and mobs of people screaming on the docks.

We just couldn't understand what it was all about.

And then something happened that I can never forget. All the church bells in Cobh started to ring out our theme song, Dance of the Cuckoos, and Babe looked at me and we cried. I'll never forget that day. Never.