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Independent label: Laurel and
Hardy were probably the most popular and critically acclaimed comedy double
acts of the early Classical Hollywood era of American cinema. Composed of thin
Englishman Stan Laurel (1890–1965) and heavyset American Oliver Hardy
(1892–1957), they became well known during the late 1920s to the mid-1940s for
their slapstick comedy, with Laurel playing the clumsy and childlike friend of
the pompous Hardy. They made more than 100 films together, initially two-reelers
(short films) before expanding into feature length films in the 1930s. Their
films include Sons of the Desert (1933), the Academy Award-winning short film
The Music Box (1932), Babes in Toyland (1934), and Way Out West (1937). Hardy's
catchphrase, "Well, here's another nice mess you've gotten me into!", is widely
recognized. Prior to the double act, both were established actors, with Laurel
appearing in over 50 films and Hardy in over 250 films. Although the two
comedians first worked together on the film The Lucky Dog (1921), this was a
chance pairing, and it was not until 1926, when both separately signed contracts
with the Hal Roach film studio, that they appeared in movie shorts together.
Laurel and Hardy officially became a team the following year, in the silent
short film Putting Pants on Philip (1927). The pair remained with the Roach
studio until 1940, then appeared in eight "B" comedies for 20th Century Fox and
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer from 1941 to 1945. After finishing their movie commitments
at the end of 1944, they concentrated on stage shows, embarking on a music hall
tour of England, Ireland, and Scotland. In 1950, their last film was a
French/Italian co-production called Atoll K, before retiring from the screen.
Stan Laurel (June 16, 1890 – February 23, 1965) was born Arthur Stanley
Jefferson in Ulverston, Lancashire. Laurel lived until 1965, surviving to see
the duo's work rediscovered through television and classic film revivals. He
died on February 23 in Santa Monica. Oliver Hardy (January 18, 1892 – August 7,
1957) was born Norvell Hardy in Harlem, Georgia. Under doctor's orders to
improve a heart condition, Hardy lost over 100 pounds (45 kg; 7.1 st)
in 1956. Several strokes resulted in the loss of mobility and speech. He died of
a stroke on August 7, 1957. Distributed By Backs and The
Cartel.
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Laurel &
Hardy
Trail Of The Lonesome
Pine
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Laurel &
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Honolulu
Baby
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Shine On Harvest
Moon
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Laurel & Hardy
Never Mind Bo Peep
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