The Flying Deuces

The Flying Deuces is a timeless comedy film from the Golden Age of Hollywood, released in 1939. The film stars the iconic comedic duo Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. Their enduring brand of slapstick humor and absurdist comedy, including situational gags, physical comedy, and verbal puns, are showcased throughout the film to great effect. Also starring Jean Parker, the movie was directed by A. Edward Sutherland, who skilfully brings together elements of comedy, drama, romance, and an age-old tale of friendship.

The story kicks off when Laurel and Hardy, known in the film as Stan and Ollie, are on a visit to Paris. Ollie falls head over heels in love with a beautiful local woman named Georgette, played by Jean Parker. He is so infatuated by her charm that he decides to settle down and marry her. However, an unexpected turn of events shatters his dreams when he learns that she is already married to a Foreign Legion officer. Heartbroken and despondent, Ollie decides the only option is to end his life, but not before convincing his reliable and loyal friend Stan, to join him in his tragic fate.

However, this somber moment shifts quickly to comedy as the duo's attempts at their dire deed are continually disrupted and foiled, resulting in a number of laugh-out-loud comedic sequences. In an interesting twist, they are persuaded to enlist with the Foreign Legion by an officer who ensures them that the experience will help Ollie forget his unrequited love.

The real laughter begins when Stan and Ollie start their life in the Foreign Legion. True to their well-established roles, Stan Laurel’s character is optimistic, naive, and charmingly bumbling, often leading to unintentional consequences. On the other hand, Oliver Hardy's character is slightly more composed but still gets drawn into the comedic chaos due to his unwavering loyalty to his friend and his own susceptibility to mishaps.

Comedy blooms in the desert as the duo awkwardly tries to adapt to the tough Legionnaire life. Through a series of comical misunderstandings and accidents, they bring chaos to the regiment. The men's interactions with their stern, hard-nosed commanding officers, as well as with their fellow Legionnaires, are a continuous source of hilarity.

As we proceed through the film, Stan and Ollie's friendship is tested through these comedic trials and tribulations, but always remains unshakable despite the situations they face. The pair rises to the occasion in their own unique way, tripping over themselves, creating confusion, chaos and laughter for viewers at every turn.

The Flying Deuces employs a lot of the comedic conventions characteristic of Laurel and Hardy films, including innocent humor juxtaposed with sophisticated comedy, and robust physical comedy interspersed with witty dialogue. The film also showcases a memorable musical number performed by Laurel and Hardy, displaying their multifaceted comedic talents beyond straightforward comedy.

This film capitalizes on the on-screen chemistry between Laurel and Hardy that made them one of the most beloved comedic teams of the time. Their offbeat charm and organic humor are perfectly aligned with the movie's plot, establishing it as a laughter-filled journey of two men navigating uncharted territories, their friendship their only guiding light.

Furthermore, the film's black and white photographic style enhances the nostalgic feel, taking viewers back to the classic era of Hollywood. The production values are top-notch, with the sets and costumes effectively portraying the rustic and rugged life in a foreign land.

The Flying Deuces is packed with humor, warmth, and a captivating on-screen camaraderie that stands as a testament to the unmatched comedic genius of Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. Whether you're a fan of old Hollywood or you simply appreciate timeless comedy, this film is sure to bring a smile to your face. It's more than just a comedy - it's a showcase of the enduring friendship and unmatched comedic timing of one of the greatest comedic duos in the history of cinema.