Watch The Soilers

The Soilers is a 1923 American Western comedy film directed by Maurice Tourneur and starring Stan Laurel, Ena Gregory, and Mae Laurel. The movie was produced by Hal Roach and released through Pathé Exchange. The film is set in Alaska during the gold rush of the late 19th century. Stan Laurel plays 'Big' Ben, a card sharp who is always on the lookout for his next big score. He and his partner in crime, Soapy Smith, (played by Tiny Sandford) trick a couple of unsuspecting prospectors (Pete Gordon and Noah Young) out of their gold claim using a rigged game of poker.

However, things start to go wrong for Ben and Soapy when they learn that the neighboring claim contains an even larger gold deposit. They hatch a plan to get their hands on the claim, but their scheming is complicated by the arrival of a beautiful and spunky young woman named Rose (played by Ena Gregory), who is the rightful owner of the claim.

Rose is determined to hold onto her property and enlists the help of a local miner named Mike (played by William Gillespie). Mike is smitten with Rose and jumps at the chance to help her out. Meanwhile, Laurel and Soapy try all kinds of underhanded tactics to steal the claim, including hiring a group of Native Alaskans to pose as cowboys in an attempt to intimidate Rose and Mike.

As the story unfolds, the tension between the two groups grows, leading to a series of amusing mishaps and misunderstandings. Throughout it all, Laurel's character remains irreverent and charming, always looking for a way to turn the situation to his advantage.

The Soilers is a classic comedy that showcases Stan Laurel's unique brand of humor. His character is both lovable and sneaky, leading the audience to root for him even as his schemes are exposed. Ena Gregory's performance as Rose provides a strong counterbalance to Stan's antics, giving the film a romantic subplot that adds depth and dimension to the story.

The film is also notable for its location and setting. Shot entirely on location in Utah and California, it captures the rugged beauty of the Alaskan wilderness and gives viewers a sense of the harsh conditions that prospectors had to endure during the gold rush.

Overall, The Soilers is a lighthearted and entertaining movie that showcases the comedic genius of Stan Laurel. It may be over 90 years old, but it still holds up as a classic of early cinema.

The Soilers is a 1923 comedy with a runtime of 17 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5.