Cheap Laurel & Hardy II (Way Out West / Block-Heads / Chickens Come Home) (DVD) (James W. Horne, John G. Blystone) Price

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Customer Reviews of Laurel & Hardy II (Way Out West / Block-Heads / Chickens Come Home)

Two Classic Comic Actors in Three Classic Comedies
Not much more than the three titles here - the "extras" aren't much - but here we have very fine DVD pressings of top drawer L & H. Some lesser known Stan & Ollie flicks from the non-independent, large-scale studios in the following decade have been released recently, and though they have historical significant and some sporadic fun (if you can supress your "couda-shoulda" button), they only emphasize the often brilliant and heartwarming stuff which really made them famous. We have three examples here: a 1937 trip out West, about one hour long, yet absolutely loaded with inventive gags (though a midnight attempt to hoist Ollie to the second floor of Finlayson's Saloon is badly dragged out) and clever dialogue. Ofcourse, the performances are great, and in Way Out West have the added dimension of music and "magic". While Hardy tries to plot out the rescue of a young lady and her deed to a goldmine, Laurel constantly befuddles his partner with all kinds of reality manipulations - like using his thumb as a lighter! <
>The next year, they produced a partial remake of their very first "talkie" - it's fun to compare Unaccustomed As We Are from '29 to Blockheads. The later film is far better and contains much pathos. Hardy's wife, who starts off her day reminding her husband that he forgot their anniversary, then returns to find old buddy Stan lounging about, delivers an incredible, drammaticly schizophrenic display - one of the great moments in comedy history. Ultimately, it is typical L & H - Ollie's new found respectability is torn asunder by the well-meaning but completely incompetent Stan, who wrecks his car, his apartment...and his marriage. By the end of the film he flees with his friend from his home and a violent neighbor who believes he is a filanderer. <
>The 1931 short-subject is an hilarious work - again Ollie is on the threshold of true acceptance in high society, until Mae Busch shows up to upset his political plans, his marriage, and Stan himself in a wild wrestling match outside of her hotel suite. This is perhaps her sexiest performance - and her attitude is all business - she wants her share of the success. Her acting is bit more nuanced than usual - she projects admiration and revulsion of Hardy at the same time. <
>Side note: I've read of the Spanish-language version of this film and hope that it can become available through this company.

Block - Heads
I (Jim McCutcheon) saw this film way back in the 50's and it cracked me up. I have hankered for it for some time and althouh I have matured somewhat (68years) still found if highly amusing, and thanks to Amazon, now have a copy for myself. <
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>I would class it as one of Laurel and Hardy's better efforts. <
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>Cheers, <
>Jim.