The Life and Magic of Laurel and Hardy Laurel and Hardy, also known as Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, were a comedic duo who captivated audiences with their slapstick humor and timeless performances. They became one of the most iconic comedy teams in the history of film and their influence can still be seen in modern comedy today. Stan Laurel was born in England in 1890 and began his entertainment career in vaudeville before transitioning to film. Oliver Hardy, born in Georgia, USA in 1892, also started in vaudeville before finding success in movies. The two comedians crossed paths in the mid-1920s and quickly realized their chemistry and comedic timing was unmatched. They formed a partnership and began making short films together.
A lightweight look at the most legendary of comedy duos. While it touches upon their often complicated personal lives and how after parting from Hal Roach their movie career was a disaster, it offers little in the way of depth. Still it was a very easy watch on Christmas Day afternoon with a tub of Miniature Heroes and the home movie footage of Stan Laurel in the 1960s still playing to the camera could not fail to bring a smile to the lips and a tear to the eye.
What a great look at the lives of Laurel and Hardy this is, lots of unseen footage brought together for the first time, as well as lots of great movie clips. Stan Ollie screenwriter Jeff Pope became fascinated by this forgotten Laurel and Hardy moment and spent the better part of a decade learning all he could.
They formed a partnership and began making short films together. Their characters, Stan Laurel as the bumbling and childlike fool and Oliver Hardy as the pompous and frustrated straight man, created a perfect dynamic. Laurel's expressive face and physical comedy combined with Hardy's exasperated reactions and impeccable timing brought laughter to audiences around the world.
Laurel & Hardy: The Magic Behind the Movies
Randy Skretvedt's seminal LAUREL & HARDY: THE MAGIC BEHIND THE MOVIES is generally acknowledged as the gold standard in writing about the work of Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. Since the book's original release in 1987, it has been updated several times through the early 1990s. But over the last 15 years, author Skretvedt has been compiling an Ultimate Edition of his master work, with nearly 50% more text and quadruple the number of photos of previous editions.
| Quantity | Price | Discount |
|---|---|---|
| List Price | $ 44.95 |
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Copies Needed: Ship to Zip: By Date: Non-returnable discount pricing$ 44.95
Book Information
| Publisher: | Bonaventure Press |
|---|---|
| Publish Date: | 01/15/2019 |
| Pages: | 632 |
| ISBN-13: | 9781937878085 |
| ISBN-10: | 1937878082 |
| Language: | English |
Full Description
Randy Skretvedt's seminal LAUREL & HARDY: THE MAGIC BEHIND THE MOVIES is generally acknowledged as the gold standard in writing about the work of Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. Since the book's original release in 1987, it has been updated several times through the early 1990s. But over the last 15 years, author Skretvedt has been compiling an Ultimate Edition of his master work, with nearly 50% more text and quadruple the number of photos of previous editions.Featuring exclusive interviews with the team's co-workers and unfilmed scenes from rare scripts, it describes in the fullest possible detail how Laurel and Hardy created their classic films.In addition: Close to 800 of the images are new to this edition, and include many never-before-published, one-of-a-kind pictures from Babe Hardy s personal collection.Exclusive quotes and fascinating anecdotes from interviews with more than 60 of the team's co-workers, including producer Hal Roach, editors Richard Currier and Bert Jordan, musical director Marvin Hatley, actresses Anita Garvin and Dorothy Granger, and actor Henry Brandon.Detailed accounts of hilarious unused scenes, culled from the original scripts.Details about the locations where the team filmed many of their most famous scenes.Full cast and credit information for each film, providing the names of all the players and their roles as well as previously unknown members of the technical crews. And full information about the musical scores, including the titles of all cues and names of composers.Full information on the many films which are still missing, as well as a section about the new short subjects created for TV
Laurel and Hardy went on to create over 100 films together, including classics such as "Sons of the Desert" and "Way Out West". They were known for their innovative use of physical comedy, often incorporating elaborate and memorable stunts into their routines. Their signature "double act" style, with Laurel often causing chaos and Hardy trying to fix the situation, became their trademark and endeared them to fans of all ages. Despite their on-screen personas, Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy had a deep friendship off-screen. They spent many years together, working tirelessly to perfect their comedy routines and entertain audiences. Their bond was evident in their performances, as their genuine camaraderie and trust shone through in every scene. Laurel and Hardy's popularity spanned decades, and they continued to make films, including their acclaimed feature-length hits "The Music Box" and "Way Out West", well into the 1940s. Their work made them international stars, beloved by audiences of all backgrounds. The magic of Laurel and Hardy lies in their ability to make people laugh. Their timeless comedy transcends language and cultural barriers, bringing joy to generations of fans. Their influence can be seen in countless comedians and filmmakers who have been inspired by their unique style. Today, Laurel and Hardy's legacy is preserved through their films and the laughter they continue to bring to audiences. Their work serves as a reminder of the enduring power of humor and the importance of laughter in our lives. Laurel and Hardy will forever be remembered as one of the greatest comedy duos of all time, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to entertain and inspire for generations to come..
Reviews for "The Irresistible Charm of Laurel and Hardy"
1. John - 2/5 - I found "The Life and Magic of Laurel and Hardy" to be a disappointment. As a fan of Laurel and Hardy, I was expecting a more in-depth exploration of their lives and careers. However, the documentary felt superficial and rushed, barely scratching the surface of their incredible story. The pacing was off, jumping from one event to another without giving enough time for proper context or analysis. Overall, I felt that this film didn't do justice to the legacy of Laurel and Hardy and left me yearning for more substance.
2. Sarah - 2/5 - "The Life and Magic of Laurel and Hardy" was a letdown for me. I was expecting a captivating and informative documentary about these comedy legends, but instead, I was left wanting more. The film lacked any real depth and failed to provide any fresh insights into the lives and work of Laurel and Hardy. It felt like a surface-level overview with some generic interviews thrown in. I would have loved to see more behind-the-scenes footage or hear from people who worked closely with them. Overall, this documentary felt like a missed opportunity to truly honor the comedic brilliance of Laurel and Hardy.
3. Michael - 1/5 - I was highly disappointed with "The Life and Magic of Laurel and Hardy." The documentary felt like a disjointed collection of random clips and interviews, lacking any cohesive narrative. It failed to engage me and left me feeling uninspired. I had hoped for a more comprehensive exploration of Laurel and Hardy's groundbreaking comedy and their impact on the film industry. Unfortunately, this film fell short and did little to capture the true essence of their magic. I would not recommend it to anyone seeking an insightful or entertaining documentary about Laurel and Hardy's legacy.