They Go Boom

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They Go Boom
L&H They Go Boom 1929.jpg
Theatrical release poster
Directed by James Parrott
Written by Leo McCarey (story)
H.M. Walker
Produced by Hal Roach
Starring Stan Laurel
Oliver Hardy
Charlie Hall
Sam Lufkin
Cinematography Art Lloyd
George Stevens
Edited by Richard C. Currier
Music by William Axt
S. Williams
Distributed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Release date
  • September 21, 1929 (1929-09-21)
Running time
20:21
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

They Go Boom is a 1929 short comedy film directed by James Parrott and starring Laurel and Hardy.

Contents

Plot

Laurel and Hardy find themselves in a rented room, attempting to rest for the night. However, their efforts are thwarted by Hardy's persistent coughing due to a cold and Laurel's disruptive snoring, leading to mutual insomnia. Despite their endeavors to alleviate these disturbances, their attempts only exacerbate the situation, culminating in disorder and disarray.

Their troubles escalate when the irate owner of the room threatens eviction due to the commotion. Upon returning to their quarters, a mishap occurs as their air mattress is inadvertently filled with gas, causing it to expand uncontrollably until they are pressed against the ceiling. As they grapple with the dire predicament, panic ensues, further compounded when Hardy's sneeze triggers the mattress to explode.

The commotion attracts the attention of the hotel owner and law enforcement authorities, who enter the room just as Hardy's sneeze causes the ceiling to collapse, adding to the chaos and calamity.

Cast

Uncredited

Production

Typical of early talkies, the film has no musical score but makes effective use of sound effects. There is only music at the beginning and end of the film, the opening titles utilising the song "Runnin' Wild".

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