Way Out West.

Way Out West.

One in a long line of Laurel and Hardy films, we find the comedy duo on an adventure in the Wild West. The two gullible business men find themselves entrusted with the task of bestowing the deed of a wealthy gold mine to one Miss. Mary Roberts, it’s just a shame that there are schemers about.

I honestly didn't know what to expect from this movie, other than a black and white slapstick comedy.  After all it’s the sort of comedy that gets funnier the more of the genre you watch. As far as I'm aware Laurel and Hardy have a lot of reoccurring jokes that span across their many films, most of which I sure have gone over my head since this is the first of their films I've seen. But that doesn't mean it isn't still very funny as a standalone piece.

The story-line is very simple and I found myself wondering how on earth they managed to make a 65 minute film from simply trying to recover a stolen deed. Then it hit me.

The main body of the film relays on their comedy and musical routines. At times the film is just down right bonkers, with a story-line thrown in every now and again to keep the pace going. Which to be honest I have no problem with – back when this film would have first been realised people were watching it for the laughs and the comedy duo themselves, not for a complex and hooking story-line. In comedy like this the story-line is just a devise to get you from point A to point B in the most hilarious way possible.

I really wish I was kidding, but this is seriously the way my father dances

And hilarious they most certainly are, considering that they managed to make a gag out of everything they did, even from simple everyday tasks like putting on shoes or taking off a necklace. My favorite of these routines however was around 12 minutes in with the song “At the Ball, That's All"”.  I'm not sure what was better, the yodeler or the choreographed dance between Laurel and Hardy that was reminiscent of my dad and his best man at his wedding. 

Similarly I don’t think I’m going to get the song “Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia” out of my head for a long time. It is almost as catchy as “Everything is Awesome” from The Lego Movie.

I have to say though, these long comedy routines did take their toll and at times ran a little dry. After all when you spend 10 minutes of a film watching 4 adults fight over a piece of paper, the charm wares of quite quickly. But I think I might have to chalk that all up to being a modern and impatient audience.

Although I prefer my comedy to be sophisticated and intelligent, that doesn't stop me loving what is clearly a classic, slapstick, farcical comedy that the whole family can enjoy. I’m just surprised that I haven’t seen any of their work before now, I feel quite deprived in a way.

Also one last note, James Finlayson, the actor who played Mick Finn the scheming saloon owner, is the king of faces! That is all. Similarly I don’t think I’m going to get the song “Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia” out of my head for a long time. It is almost as catchy as “Everything is Awesome” from The Lego Movie.

I have to say though, these long comedy routines did take their toll and at times ran a little dry. After all when you spend 10 minutes of a film watching 4 adults fight over a piece of paper, the charm wares of quite quickly. But I think I might have to chalk that all up to being a modern and impatient audience.

Although I prefer my comedy to be sophisticated and intelligent, that doesn't stop me loving what is clearly a classic, slapstick, farcical comedy that the whole family can enjoy. I’m just surprised that I haven’t seen any of their work before now, I feel quite deprived in a way.

Also one last note, James Finlayson, the actor who played Mick Finn the scheming saloon owner, is the king of faces! That is all. 

ABSOLUTELY

KING

THE