Watch Laurel and Hardy: Our Relations

Laurel and Hardy: Our Relations is a 1936 film, directed by Harry Lachman and starring the iconic comedy duo of Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. The film was the duo's first production for MGM studios, after they left their previous home studio, Hal Roach. The movie follows the misadventures of Stan and Ollie, as they encounter their long-lost twin brothers, Alf and Bert, who happen to be members of the criminal underworld. When Alf and Bert mistakenly believe that Stan and Ollie are wealthy, they invite them to a fancy dinner party, setting off a series of misunderstandings and mishaps that only Laurel and Hardy could provide.

The plot begins with Stan and Ollie enjoying a day out together, only to be interrupted by two drunks who pick a fight with them. During the fracas, Alf and Bert, who bear a striking resemblance to Stan and Ollie, walk by and are mistaken for them. They exchange pleasantries with the real Stan and Ollie, but before anyone can clear up the confusion, the two sets of brothers go their separate ways.

Shortly afterward, Alf and Bert are in trouble with their boss, Mr. Duff (James Finlayson), for a misunderstanding at work. They are tasked with retrieving a compromising letter from Mr. Hardy's home, but they don't know which Mr. Hardy to target, so they assume it's one of the wealthy twins they met earlier. They track down Stan and Ollie, invite them to dinner and create an elaborate ruse to steal the letter.

From here, the film is a rollicking ride of mistaken identities, misunderstandings and hilarious physical comedy. The dinner party sequence, in which Stan and Ollie fancy themselves upper-class gentlemen, is a classic example of their inimitable humor. All the while, Alf and Bert remain blissfully unaware of Stan and Ollie's innocence and their own confusion about which set of brothers is which. The finale sees the four men trying to evade police and Mr. Duff amidst a roaring traffic jam, leading to wild antics on the streets of Los Angeles.

The film has all the classic hallmarks of a Laurel and Hardy comedy: silly gags, visual humor, and expert timing by the duo that never fails to leave audiences laughing. The contrast between the smart, dapper Alf and Bert and the bumbling, hapless Stan and Ollie is used to full comedic effect, with the latter always managing to come out on top despite their clumsiness.

The film also includes memorable supporting characters, including Daphne Pollard as a flirtatious neighbor and Finlayson as the gangster boss with a weary, deadpan delivery that pairs perfectly with Stan and Ollie's antics.

One of the film's strengths is its pacing - the story moves quickly from one hilarious situation to the next without feeling rushed. There are moments of physical comedy to rival the best of the silent era, as well as clever dialogue that showcases the film's improvisational energy.

Overall, Laurel and Hardy: Our Relations is a must-see for fans of the comedy duo, as well as anyone who appreciates classic Hollywood humor. Its blend of wit and slapstick is timeless, a testament to the enduring talents of Laurel and Hardy and their impact on the world of comedy.

Laurel and Hardy: Our Relations is a 1936 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 13 minutes.