The Chimp

The Chimp is a delightful short comedy feature from the revered duo of Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, otherwise known as Laurel and Hardy. Released in 1932 when the duo was at the height of their fame, this Marvel Film production is another example of their unique blend of slapstick, situation comedy, and comic misfortune.

The film primarily focuses on a duo of trapeze performers in a struggling circus who fate throws a surprising nugget of luck (or so it seems at the outset). Stan and Ollie, played by Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy respectively, are lovingly crafted characters that exude an infectious charm that adds an additional layer of intimacy to their antics. In this rollercoaster ride of a movie, they're thrust into a series of comedic misfortunes that test their camaraderie and resilience.

The plot descends into chaos when their employer, unable to pay them their pending wages due to the eventual bankruptcy of the circus, hands them over a flea-ridden chimpanzee, Ethel, and a decrepit, derelict circus wagon that is apparently haunted by the ghost of a past circus performer called The Wild Man. Throughout the course of the story, Laurel and Hardy find themselves tangled in several hilariously unfortunate events and misunderstandings, each event funnier than the last.

Hardy, the stout and forceful half of the duo, is paired off against Laurel, the thin and simple-minded sidekick, which subsequently gifts the audience a plethora of charmingly naive comedic exchanges between them. Their contrasting sizes and personalities create an ambiance of refreshing humor that has been replicated by numerous comedy duos over the years, but seldom surpassed.

Stan Laurel especially shines on screen, his character’s sweet-natured innocence serving as a heartwarming foil to Oliver Hardy's more straightforward, assertive persona. The unmistakable chemistry between the two is evident in every scene, making their humorous mishaps all the more endearing to viewers of all ages.

Bobby Burns plays the suspicious, snooping landlord, providing ample opportunities for the duo to exacerbate their own difficulties in their bid to keep Ethel a secret from him. The misunderstandings born of the secret-keeping fuel the comedic premise further, culminating into a climax that is as uproariously ludicrous as it is unexpected.

Ethel the chimp, an uncredited co-star, is an essential part of the movie, and designers do a commendable job making her anthropomorphic actions realistic enough to be plausible. The chimp is not just a gimmick but a full-fledged character that catalyzes the situations our hapless pair find themselves in.

Under the excellent directorial helm of James Parrott, the scenes flow seamlessly into one another, offering the right balance between dialogue-driven humor and Laurel and Hardy's brand physical comedy, which works perfectly with the eccentric plot of the film.

The film's black and white cinematography adds a touch of classic charm to the scenes, enhancing the retro aesthetic that complements the screenplay. There's a prominent element of vaudeville rooted in the film's comedy style, which is a testament to both Laurel and Hardy's theater backgrounds.

This film will appeal to anyone who enjoys classic, slapstick comedy. The interactions between the characters and their reactions to the absurdity of their circumstances give 'The Chimp' its timeless humor that transcends its era, effective even to the present-day audience.

Overall, 'The Chimp' is an amusing classic comedy that will keep you engaged, with its simple, cheerful humor and a memorable performance by Laurel and Hardy. Their signature combination of verbal and physical humor establishes 'The Chimp' as one of the classic gems in their extensive filmography. It's a testament to their timeless comedic genius that despite nearly a century since its release, 'The Chimp' still manages to effortlessly entertain, evoking laughter and amusement with each passing scene. 'The Chimp' is not just a movie; it's a delightful slice of cinematic history.