It is said that one or two Laurel & Hardy films are to be seen in UK cinemas sometime during this year. I should think so too! In spite of their age they are masterpieces of comedy, featuring many tricks learnt in Music Hall and Vaudeville. Some call it mere slapstick yet the greatest UK comedy moment the people chose was a piece of slapstick from 'Only Fools and Horses.' What is funny, if done well, is always funny. The films appear slow to us today but remember they had to do the same film several times, in a variety of languages! French, German and I think Italian. No dubbing them so they just remade it each time reading idiot boards. A Class Act!
.
6 comments:
Now you are talking my language. Now Who is on first? Peace
Yes, and interpreting English into British is the hardest of all!
The good old stuff. As were Abbott & Costello who did that brilliant skit that Lady Di made reference to. Great humour.
When young, mother and I were trying to move a heavy piece of furniture upstairs ( Where was father, do you ask? Out, as any sensible man would be when women decide to rearrange the furniture.)
Inevitably it became stuck on the landing....and it only took one to say
'You do your work and I shall do mine' for this film to come to mind and have the two of us in hysterics.
I never was very keen on them but I am always struck with admiration for old cartoons. Talk about timing and slapstick - that I am sure was also learned from memories of performing for live audiences,
Lady, It is every sensible persons language. But I think Abbott & Costello had 'Who's on first.'
Jerry, What...?
Lee, Good indeed.
Fly, I can see you now, hidden under a sofa!
Jenny, Timing indeed. Before they got together they had made about 150 one reel mostly silent films between them.
Post a Comment