Our Wife (1931)

Self-important, over-dramatic, uninspired.

if their story seems completely bonkers, almost like a feverish work of fiction, you ain't heard nothing yet.

I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

There are moments that feel comical, some horrific, and some downright inspiring but the tonal shifts hardly matter as the end results come to a film that's perfect for this time.

Chubby rich girl Babe London is all giddy because it's her wedding day, that is she thinks until her father James Finlayson sees the photo of her groom: Oliver Hardy. For what reason, we don't know, but let's just presume it's simply because it's Mr. Hardy. After Laurel practically destroys Oliver's attempts to get ready, they have an even more difficult time getting Babe out of her home and into Laurel's tiny little car. Then it's off to justice of the peace Ben Turpin's for an even bigger mix-up. The visual gags are a big delight, starting with the goofy pictures of the plump bride and groom to be. Oliver gets burnt thanks to a toxic bottle of perfume and eventually literally brings out the dining room and all the intended decorations. A comic delight from start to finish, it made me want to see more of the charming Ms. London.

After re-watching many of their films over the past two months I'm running out of superlatives. Our Wife is yet another brilliant short from Stan and Ollie. A frantic farce with at least 3 classic pratfalls.There's Jimmy Fin plunging headlong down the stairs: there's Ollie flying into his own wedding cake after tripping on some ice: and there's Ollie plummeting through the window when attempting to elope with his similar-sized sweetheart. How on earth did they do this stuff in 1931?The scene of Ollie and his bride trying to fit in Stan's tiny hired car is hysterical: makes me wonder did the Marx Brothers borrow this idea for their famous (and equally brilliant) stateroom scene in A Night At The Opera? Of course throw in Ben Turpin as the JP and you have another brilliant comedian to add to the salad.I'd not seen this one in many years, and each gag is simply wonderful. The laughter comes fast and furious. Mr. Laurel and Mr. Hardy I salute your genius.

On the day of Hardy's wedding, spirits are high, Laurel even has a bath. However when the bride's father sees a picture of the intended groom he forbids the wedding. Hardy plans to elope with his bride and sends Laurel to get a car. When their plans are exposed it is a race to get to a JP to perform the ceremony.A lively short that sticks quite closely to it's plot without too much in the way of side plots acting as filler. The main jokes here come from physical work without too much in the way of banter from the duo. This is fine though, as much of it is good. Two major falls in particular are almost inspired – witness Finlayson's falls just after seeing Hardy's photo, culminating in a dive down some stairs, and then Hardy taken down an entire room with one trip.The plot fizzles out a little towards the end as there is no real physical stuff in the final few minutes and nothing of value really replaces it, however for the majority it is very funny. Laurel and Hardy are good value, although Laurel is in the background a little for this one. Hardy's falls take the focus and he does well indeed. The high point of the film for me was hearing Finlayson `d'oh'ing more than usual – truly the original Homer!Overall this is an enjoyable short – especially if you like their pratfalls more than their banter.

A LAUREL & HARDY Comedy ShortWhen the ferocious father of Ollie's intended forbids a marriage, Hardy decides to elope. But with Stan helping out, can chaos be far behind?A very funny little film, with lots of slapstick. Once again, marvel at the physical grace of Oliver Hardy. Highlight: the tiny getaway car. That's Babe London as Ollie's dimpled darling; James Finlayson as her fierce father; and silent film comic Ben Turpin as the cross-eyed justice of the peace.