Laurel and Hardy filmography

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This list contains only the films that Laurel and Hardy made together. For their solo films see Stan Laurel filmography and Oliver Hardy filmography.
Laurel (left) and Hardy in Bonnie Scotland (1935) Laurel and Hardy (from Bonnie Scotland).jpg
Laurel (left) and Hardy in Bonnie Scotland (1935)

Laurel and Hardy were a motion picture comedy team whose official filmography consists of 106 films released between 1921 and 1951. [1] Together they appeared in 34 silent shorts, A 45 sound shorts, and 27 full-length sound feature films. B In addition to these, Laurel and Hardy appeared in at least 20 foreign-language versions of their films and a promotional film, Galaxy of Stars (1936), produced for European film distributors. [2]

Contents

Stan Laurel (1890–1965) and Oliver Hardy (1892–1957) were established as film comedians prior to their teaming, with Laurel appearing in over 50 silent films and Hardy in over 250. (Hardy also appeared in three sound features without Laurel.) [3] Although they first worked together in 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 film shorts together. [4] Laurel and Hardy officially became a team the following year with their 11th silent short film, The Second Hundred Years (1927). [5] The pair remained with the Roach studio until 1940. [6] Between 1941 and 1945, they appeared in eight features and one short for 20th Century Fox and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. [7] After finishing their film commitments, Laurel and Hardy concentrated on stage shows, embarking on a music hall tour of Great Britain. [8] In 1950, they appeared in their last film, Atoll K , a French/Italian coproduction. [9]

In 1932, Laurel and Hardy's short The Music Box won the Academy Award for Live Action Short Film (Comedy). [10] [11] In 1960, Laurel was presented with an Academy Honorary Award "for his creative pioneering in the field of cinema comedy." [12] In 1992, 1997, 2012 and 2020 respectively, Big Business (1929), The Music Box, Sons of the Desert (1933) and The Battle of the Century (1927) were added to the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant." [11] [13] [14] For their contributions to cinema, Laurel and Hardy have been awarded separate stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. [15] [16]

Filmography

Official films

The following is a list of Laurel and Hardy's official filmography as established in Laurel and Hardy: The Magic Behind the Movies by Randy Skretvedt and Laurel and Hardy by John McCabe, Al Kilgore, and Richard W. Bann. Each book lists 105 films and Skredvedt's adds a 106th in its appendix, Now I'll Tell One , a previously lost film that was partly rediscovered. [17]

Except where noted, all of these films were photographed in black and white, produced by Hal Roach, and released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Except where noted, all short films are two reels in length. All films produced prior to 1928 are silent and all films made after 1929 are sound. Releases from 1928 are silent except as noted. 1929 releases are identified as silent, all-talkie, or sound films with music and sound effects only.

Foreign-language versions

During the early days of sound American motion picture companies often made foreign-language versions of their films. The following is a list of known foreign-language versions of Laurel and Hardy films. [79]

Foreign language versions of feature film
YearEnglishFrenchGermanSpanishItalian
1931 Pardon Us Sous Les Verrous
(Under the Locks)
Currently lost		Hinter Schloss und Riegel
(Under Lock and Key)
Only a handful of clips survive		De Bote En Bote
(From Cell to Cell)		Muraglie
(Walls)
Currently lost

Note: A lost German-language version of The Hollywood Revue of 1929 , Wir Schalten um auf Hollywood (We Switch to Hollywood), was made and released in 1931. Apparently Laurel and Hardy do not appear in it. [80]

Promotional film

Release dateTitleNotes
1936 Galaxy of Stars A promotional short film released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer only for MGM exhibitors in Europe and Africa, featuring Laurel and Hardy. Rediscovered in 2005. [2]

Compilation films

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Laurel and Hardy</span> British-American comedy duo

Laurel and Hardy were a British-American comedy team during the early Classical Hollywood era of American cinema, consisting of Englishman Stan Laurel (1890–1965) and American Oliver Hardy (1892–1957). Starting their career as a duo in the silent film era, they later successfully transitioned to "talkies". From the late 1920s to the mid-1950s, they were internationally famous for their slapstick comedy, with Laurel playing the clumsy, childlike friend to Hardy's pompous bully. Their signature theme song, known as "The Cuckoo Song", "Ku-Ku", or "The Dance of the Cuckoos" was heard over their films' opening credits, and became as emblematic of them as their bowler hats.

<i>The Music Box</i> 1932 short film by James Parrott

The Music Box is a Laurel and Hardy short film comedy released in 1932. It was directed by James Parrott, produced by Hal Roach and distributed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. The film, which depicts the pair attempting to move a piano up a long flight of steps, won the first Academy Award for Best Live Action Short (Comedy) in 1932. In 1997, it was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant". The film is widely seen as the most iconic Laurel and Hardy short, with the featured stairs becoming a popular tourist attraction.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oliver Hardy</span> American actor (1892–1957)

Oliver Norvell Hardy was an American comic actor and one half of Laurel and Hardy, the double act that began in the era of silent films and lasted from 1926 to 1957. He appeared with his comedy partner Stan Laurel in 107 short films, feature films, and cameo roles. He was credited with his first film, Outwitting Dad, in 1914. In most of his silent films before joining producer Hal Roach, he was billed on screen as Babe Hardy.

<i>Babes in Toyland</i> (1934 film) 1934 musical film by Gus Meins, Charles Rogers

Babes in Toyland is a Laurel and Hardy musical Christmas film released on November 30, 1934. The film is also known by the alternative titles Laurel and Hardy in Toyland, Revenge Is Sweet, and March of the Wooden Soldiers, a 73-minute abridged version.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stan Laurel</span> English actor (1890–1965)

Stan Laurel was an English comic actor, director and writer who was one half of the comedy duo Laurel and Hardy. He appeared with his comedy partner Oliver Hardy in 107 short films, feature films and cameo roles.

<i>Way Out West</i> (1937 film) 1937 film by James W. Horne

Way Out West is a 1937 Laurel and Hardy comedy film directed by James W. Horne, produced by Stan Laurel, and distributed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. It was the second picture for which Stan Laurel was credited as producer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">James Finlayson (actor)</span> Scottish actor (1887–1953)

James Henderson Finlayson was a Scottish actor who worked in both silent and sound comedies. Balding, with a fake moustache, he had many trademark comic mannerisms—including his squinting, outraged double-take reactions, and his characteristic exclamation: "D'ooooooh!" He is the best remembered comic foil of Laurel and Hardy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John McCabe (writer)</span> American Shakespearean scholar and author

John McCabe, born John Charles McCabe III, was an American Shakespearean scholar and author, whose first book was the authorized biography of the comedy team known as Laurel and Hardy. This joint biography, as well as his separate books on each man, has been reprinted.

<i>We Faw Down</i> 1928 film

We Faw Down is a synchronized sound short subject film directed by Leo McCarey starring comedy duo Laurel and Hardy. It was released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer on December 29, 1928. While the film has no audible dialog, it was released with a synchronized orchestral musical score with sound effects. It was remade in part with their film Sons of the Desert in 1933.

<i>Youre Darn Tootin</i> 1928 film

You're Darn Tootin' is a silent short subject directed by E. Livingston Kennedy starring comedy duo Laurel and Hardy. It was released on April 21, 1928, by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

<i>Atoll K</i> 1951 French film

Atoll K is a 1951 Franco-Italian co-production film—also known as Robinson Crusoeland in the United Kingdom and Utopia in the United States – which stars the comedy team Laurel and Hardy in their final screen appearance. The film co-stars French singer/actress Suzy Delair and was directed by Léo Joannon, with uncredited co-direction by blacklisted U.S. director John Berry.

<i>The Flying Deuces</i> 1939 film by A. Edward Sutherland

The Flying Deuces, also known as Flying Aces, is a 1939 buddy comedy film starring Laurel and Hardy, in which the duo join the French Foreign Legion. It is a partial remake of their short film Beau Hunks (1931).

<i>Block-Heads</i> 1938 film by John G. Blystone

Block-Heads is a 1938 American comedy film directed by John G. Blystone and starring Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. It was produced by Hal Roach Studios for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. The film, a reworking of elements from the Laurel and Hardy shorts We Faw Down (1928) and Unaccustomed As We Are (1929), was Roach's final film for MGM.

<i>The Finishing Touch</i> 1928 silent comedy film

The Finishing Touch is a 1928 short comedy silent film produced by Hal Roach, directed by Clyde Bruckman, and starring Laurel and Hardy. It was released on February 25, 1928, by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

<i>Should Married Men Go Home?</i> 1928 film

Should Married Men Go Home? is a silent short subject co-directed by Leo McCarey and James Parrott, starring comedy duo Laurel and Hardy. It was the first Hal Roach film to bill Laurel and Hardy as a team. Previous appearances together were billed under the Roach "All-Star Comedy" banner. It was released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer on September 8, 1928. McCarey is also one of the script writers for the film.

<i>Wrong Again</i> 1929 film

Wrong Again is a 1929 synchronized sound short subject film directed by Leo McCarey and starring Laurel and Hardy. While the film has no audible dialog, it was released with a synchronized orchestral musical score with sound effects. It was filmed in October and November 1928, and released February 23, 1929, by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

<i>Thats My Wife</i> (1929 film) 1929 short film by Lloyd French

That's My Wife is a 1929 synchronized sound short subject film produced by the Hal Roach Studios and starring Laurel and Hardy. While the film has no audible dialog, it was released with a synchronized orchestral musical score with sound effects. It was shot in December 1928 and released March 23, 1929, by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

<i>Air Raid Wardens</i> 1943 film by Edward Sedgwick

Air Raid Wardens is a 1943 comedy film directed by Edward Sedgwick and starring Laurel and Hardy. It was the first of two feature films starring the duo for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

<i>Swiss Miss</i> (film) 1938 film by Hal Roach, John G. Blystone

Swiss Miss is a 1938 comedy film starring Laurel and Hardy. It was directed by John G. Blystone, and produced by Hal Roach. The film features Walter Woolf King, Della Lind and Eric Blore.

<i>The Live Ghost</i> 1934 American film

The Live Ghost is a 1934 American comedy short film starring Laurel and Hardy, directed by Charles Rogers, and produced by Hal Roach at his studios in Culver City, California.

References

Notes

A. ^ "A short film is defined as an original motion picture that has a running time of 40 minutes or less, including all credits." [81]

B. ^ "Under the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences rules, a feature-length motion picture must have a running time of more than 40 minutes and must have been exhibited theatrically on 35mm or 70mm film, or in a qualifying digital format." [82]

Footnotes

  1. ↑ Skretvedt 1994 , pp. 71–426, 468–469
  2. 1 2 Seguin, Chris. "Forgotten Laurel & Hardy film emerges on French DVD". The Laurel and Hardy Magazine. Archived from the original on October 20, 2013. Retrieved September 19, 2013.
  3. ↑ Stone 1996 , pp. 569–573
  4. ↑ Everson 1973 , p. 41
  5. 1 2 Everson 1973 , p. 50
  6. ↑ Skretvedt 1994 , p. 369
  7. ↑ McCabe, Kilgore & Bann 1975 , pp. 393–397
  8. ↑ Skretvedt 1994 , pp. 414–417
  9. ↑ Skretvedt 1994 , p. 417
  10. ↑ "The 5th Academy Awards (1932) Nominees and Winners". oscars.org. Archived from the original on May 7, 2016. Retrieved May 24, 2013.
  11. 1 2 3 "NY Times.com: The Music Box". Movies & TV Dept. The New York Times . 2012. Archived from the original on November 3, 2012. Retrieved November 28, 2010.
  12. ↑ "The Official Academy Awards Database". Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. 2013. Archived from the original on 2009-02-08. Note: Type "Stan Laurel" into the Nominee box and click on search
  13. 1 2 "25 American films are added to the National Film Registry". The Prescott Courier . Associated Press. December 7, 1992. Archived from the original on May 11, 2020. Retrieved July 22, 2009.
  14. 1 2 Cannady, Sheryl (December 19, 2012). "2012 National Film Registry Picks in A League of Their Own". Library of Congress. Archived from the original on November 18, 2016. Retrieved September 19, 2013.
  15. ↑ "Stan Laurel". Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. 2013. Archived from the original on June 4, 2023. Retrieved September 19, 2013.
  16. ↑ "Oliver Hardy". Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. 2013. Archived from the original on March 21, 2023. Retrieved September 19, 2013.
  17. 1 2 Skretvedt 1994 , pp. 468–469
  18. ↑ Stone 1996 , p. 420
  19. 1 2 3 4 5 McCabe, Kilgore & Bann 1975 , p. 23
  20. ↑ McCabe, Kilgore & Bann 1975 , p. 24
  21. ↑ McCabe, Kilgore & Bann 1975 , p. 26
  22. ↑ McCabe, Kilgore & Bann 1975 , p. 31
  23. ↑ Skretvedt 1994 , pp. 98–99
  24. ↑ Skretvedt 1994 , p. 100
  25. ↑ Gehring 1990, p. 62.
  26. ↑ McCabe, Kilgore & Bann 1975 , p. 48
  27. ↑ Barry, Dan (July 8, 2015). "Comedy's Sweet Weapon: The Cream Pie". New York Times . Archived from the original on July 8, 2015. Retrieved July 8, 2015.
  28. ↑ McCabe, Kilgore & Bann 1975 , p. 80
  29. ↑ McCabe, Kilgore & Bann 1975 , p. 83
  30. ↑ McCabe, Kilgore & Bann 1975 , p. 87
  31. ↑ McCabe, Kilgore & Bann 1975 , p. 89
  32. ↑ McCabe, Kilgore & Bann 1975 , p. 92
  33. ↑ McCabe, Kilgore & Bann 1975 , p. 96
  34. ↑ McCabe, Kilgore & Bann 1975 , p. 99
  35. ↑ McCabe, Kilgore & Bann 1975 , p. 102
  36. ↑ McCabe, Kilgore & Bann 1975 , p. 106
  37. ↑ McCabe, Kilgore & Bann 1975 , p. 109
  38. ↑ McCabe, Kilgore & Bann 1975 , p. 112
  39. ↑ McCabe, Kilgore & Bann 1975 , p. 115
  40. ↑ McCabe, Kilgore & Bann 1975 , p. 120
  41. ↑ McCabe, Kilgore & Bann 1975 , p. 121
  42. ↑ McCabe, Kilgore & Bann 1975 , p. 126
  43. ↑ Skretvedt 1994 , pp. 168–169 "two hours of All Singing, All Talking, All-Dancing"
  44. ↑ "The Official Academy Awards Database". Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. 2013. Archived from the original on 2009-02-08. Note: Type "The Hollywood Revue" into the Film Title box and click on search
  45. ↑ McCabe, Kilgore & Bann 1975 , p. 127
  46. ↑ Skretvedt 1994 , p. 187
  47. ↑ Skretvedt 1994 , p. 198
  48. ↑ Skretvedt 1994 , p. 206
  49. ↑ Skretvedt 1994 , p. 209
  50. ↑ Everson 1973 , p. 106
  51. ↑ Skretvedt 1994 , p. 213
  52. ↑ Everson 1973 , p. 119
  53. ↑ McCabe, Kilgore & Bann 1975 , p. 162
  54. ↑ Skretvedt 1994 , p. 230
  55. ↑ "The Official Academy Awards Database". Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. 2013. Archived from the original on 2009-02-08. Note: Type "The Music Box" into the Film Title box and click on search
  56. ↑ Skretvedt 1994 , p. 233
  57. ↑ McCabe, Kilgore & Bann 1975 , p. 233
  58. ↑ McCabe, Kilgore & Bann 1975 , p. 249
  59. ↑ Skretvedt 1994 , p. 275
  60. ↑ McCabe, Kilgore & Bann 1975 , p. 267
  61. ↑ McCabe, Kilgore & Bann 1975 , p. 277
  62. ↑ "The 8th Academy Awards (1936) Nominees and Winners". oscars.org. Archived from the original on 6 July 2011. Retrieved 2019-01-17.
  63. ↑ McCabe, Kilgore & Bann 1975 , p. 319
  64. ↑ Skretvedt 1994 , p. 319
  65. ↑ Skretvedt 1994 , p. 331
  66. ↑ Everson 1973 , p. 190
  67. ↑ McCabe, Kilgore & Bann 1975 , p. 379
  68. ↑ McCabe, Kilgore & Bann 1975 , p. 385
  69. ↑ Everson 1973 , p. 198
  70. ↑ Skretvedt 1994 , p. 384
  71. ↑ McCabe, Kilgore & Bann 1975 , p. 394
  72. ↑ Skretvedt 1994 , p. 400
  73. ↑ Everson 1973 , p. 201
  74. ↑ Skretvedt 1994 , p. 401
  75. ↑ McCabe, Kilgore & Bann 1975 , p. 396
  76. ↑ Everson 1973 , p. 207
  77. ↑ McCabe, Kilgore & Bann 1975 , p. 395
  78. ↑ McCabe, Kilgore & Bann 1975 , p. 398
  79. ↑ Skretvedt 1994 , pp. 459–467
  80. ↑ Skretvedt 1994 , p. 467
  81. ↑ "Rule Nineteen: Special Rules for the Short Film Awards". Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. 2013. Archived from the original on October 17, 2007. Retrieved November 10, 2013.
  82. ↑ "281 Feature Films in Competition for 2008 Oscar". Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. December 29, 2008. Archived from the original on February 10, 2009. Retrieved November 10, 2013.

Bibliography

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