The Boys provides new ways to view and evaluate the work of this famous comedy team. The initial chapter summarizes the critical reception of the two and compares Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy to other contemporary comedians. Brief biographies analyze their early solo films and the development of the team. Special attention is given to the team’s cinematic and comic style, use of camera techniques, early sound practice, and gag development. The comics’ complex relationship is detailed and analyzed.
A complete filmography, including a rating and an indication of contents, covers each film. The team’s final film, Atoll K (1951), is discussed in depth. Throughout the text quotes from such persons as Laurel and Hardy themselves, Buster Keaton, George Stevens, Dick Van Dyke, and Woody Allen enlighten and entertain. Great stills and posters.

Scott Allen Nollen was educated in film and history at the University of Iowa. He has written and edited more than 40 books on the history of film, literature and music.

Scott Allen Nollen
Foreword by John McCabe
Format: softcover (6 x 9)
Pages: 167
Bibliographic Info: photos, notes, filmography, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2001 [1989]
pISBN: 978-0-7864-1115-3
eISBN: 978-1-4766-1002-3
Imprint: McFarland

Foreword     vii

Preface     xi

1 Why Take Laurel and Hardy Seriously?     1

2 Stan Laurel     9

3 Oliver Hardy     15

4 Cinematic and Comic Structure     19

5 The Boys as Couple     35

6 The Boys and Physical Objects     51

7 The Boys and Animals     61

8 The Boys and Women     69

9 The Boys and Society     79

10 Filmography: The Roach Period (1926–1940)     93

11 Filmography: The Post-Roach Period (1939–1951)     119

12 A Final Word     141

Notes     145

Bibliography     149

Index     151

“recommended”—Choice; “numerous monochrome photos of the boys at work”—Library Journal; “a very good job of surveying their themes and cinematic techniques”—Big Reel; “insightful and entertaining reading…useful”—Variety; “provides new ways to view and evaluate the comic filmmaking of this famous duo”—Communication Booknotes; “very enjoyable…excellently detailed annotated filmography”—Film Review Annual.