Laurel and Hardy: Them Thar Hills

Laurel and Hardy: Them Thar Hills, directed by Charles Rogers (under the name Charley Rogers) in 1934, stars the iconic and world-renowned comedy duo of Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. Also in the ensemble are Mae Busch, as Mrs. Hall, and Charles Middleton, in the surprising role of Mr. Hall, husband to Busch's character. It's an unpretentious 20-minute comedy short film that is much loved by fans of Laurel and Hardy for its humor and well-drawn comedic illustrations.

The plot of the movie is straightforward and takes off from a premise familiar to fans of Hollywood comedies of the era: the combination of an uncomplicated plan gone awry and mistaken identities, all fueled by innocent intentions and a dash of slapstick.

In Laurel and Hardy: Them Thar Hills, Oliver Hardy's character is a struggling man suffering from acute gout and is advised by his doctor to go for a therapeutic holiday. The doctor recommends a stay in the mountain areas for its healing properties, specifically stating that drinking water from mountain spring would do wonders to Hardy's health. Following this advice, the iconic pair of Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy embark on an adventurous trip into the mountainous terrains. They find a 'paradise' spot marked by a cabin near a fresh spring from which they collect water to brew their coffee and cook their meals.

With the charisma of the protagonists and their inimitable talent to turn every situation into an episode of laughter, there's much amusement waiting for the viewers as the film unfolds. They completely live up to their reputation in this outing as the globe's most beloved comedy duos, with cleverly executed gags and routines that have stood the test of time and are considered classic comedy fare.

Meanwhile, there's a subplot that is subtly introduced involving Mae Busch's character, Mrs. Hall, who is attempting to revive her relationship with her estrainer husband, Mr. Hall. Busch, a fortune-seeker and notorious moonshine chemist, inhabits the same cabin that Laurel and Hardy have chanced upon. Without giving away too much, one can expect an intersection of these two independent strands that unspools a series of hilarious events.

The premise also offers a stylish commentary on the prohibition era, highlighting its ironies and contradictions through the popular narrative tool of mistaken identities. It is important for the viewers to know that during the time when this film was made, alcohol was banned in the real world, which adds a layer of historical resonance and relevance to the slapstick comedy that Laurel and Hardy were famous for.

Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy's crack timing, synchronized comedy, and the interplay of personalities remain the crux of the film. While Laurel plays the light-hearted and sometimes dim-witted partner, Hardy pulls off the role of the serious and usually vexed mate. Their contrasting personalities in their films have always been a catalyst for humor, and it's no different in Laurel and Hardy: Them Thar Hills.

Additionally, it's worth mentioning the outstanding performances of Mae Busch and Charles Middleton. Busch delivers an impeccably funny performance, doing full justice to the ambitious character she plays. Middleton, known primarily for his villainous roles, offers a refreshing and humorous performance in this film, breaking away from his grimmer roles.

On a technical level, the movie does not disappoint either. Considering the era it was filmed in, Them Thar Hills showcases some notable cinematic techniques used to elicit comedy, effortlessly blending the visual with the narrative.

To sum it up, Laurel and Hardy: Them Thar Hills is a delightful short movie, not just for fans of the legendary comedy duo, but for all who appreciate classic Hollywood comedies. A comic escapade sprinkled with harmless fun and laughter, this timeless Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy outing offers an entertaining watch.