planktonrules Review of Men O'War

Men O'War (1929)

Very good early Laurel and Hardy--but not among their very best

[8/10 · 5 October 2006]

Although this film seems to have clicked with some of the critics who have written about Laurel and Hardy, it's far from their best film and even after repeated viewings it just doesn't seem all that special. Stan and Ollie are sailors and the film is anchored by two main gags that are only so-so. The first is the soda fountain bit where the boys only have enough (so they think) for three drinks to be split between themselves and two girls. It's kind of cute, but that's all. And the end when they have a fight while boating on the lake once again is only mildly funny at best. While this film probably won't turn you off Laurel and Hardy films, there are certainly better ones such as BIG BUSINESS or HELPMATES. Good for a few laughs and worth seeing, but that's about it.