Men O'War 🎬🤵‍ Laurel and Hardy 💥🌊

"Men O' War": A Timeless Laurel and Hardy Classic with a Fascinating History

Hey everyone!

Today, we're diving into the timeless Laurel and Hardy flick, "Men O' War." In this hilarious tale, we follow Stanley and Oliver as they enjoy some shore leave from the Navy and try to impress a couple of single ladies at the park. They've got a tight budget, though, with only enough cash for three sodas! So get ready to laugh out loud as the iconic James Finlayson sequence unfolds, and delight in the unmistakable humor that has made Laurel and Hardy a fan favorite for generations.

Did you know filming "Men O' War" was quite challenging? At Hollenbeck Park, crowds of spectators would gather to watch the hilarious duo in action, but their laughter kept spoiling the sound! Eventually, the situation got so out of hand that the production had to shut down and resume on another day. Yet, despite these efforts, you can still catch off-screen laughter in the final cut. It's a testament to how funny Laurel and Hardy were, even during filming!

Trivia time! "Men O' War" was James Finlayson's first sound film, and it marked the debut of his iconic catchphrase "D'oh!" Interestingly, this exclamation inspired Dan Castellaneta, the voice of Homer Simpson, to use the exact phrase in the hit TV show, The Simpsons, which first aired in 1989. Talk about a lasting legacy!

Here's another fascinating piece of trivia for you: "Men O' War" was Laurel and Hardy's third sound film. Interestingly, their producer Hal Roach managed to outpace MGM in adopting sound technology. Loew's Inc., MGM's parent company, was hesitant to embrace the new technology due to the high conversion costs for their widespread theaters. However, Hal Roach's popular shorts, including Laurel and Hardy's, became a cost-effective way for MGM to fill their 1929 release schedule with sound films. Seeing how these comedy legends were part of a pivotal moment in film history is impressive!

"Men O' War" is a timeless classic with laughter and unforgettable scenes. It also has a fascinating history highlighting the early days of sound films and the lasting impact of these comedy icons. If you're a fan of Laurel and Hardy or love a good laugh, this film is worth watching!