User:Szzuk/L&H
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Laurel and Hardy were one of the most popular and critically acclaimed comedy double acts of the early Classical Hollywood era of American cinema. Composed of thin, English-born Stan Laurel (1890ā1965) and heavy, American-born Oliver Hardy (1892ā1957) they became well known for their visual slapstick comedy, with Laurel playing the simple and timid victim of the pompous and easily irritated Hardy.[1] They made over 100 films together, initially short films before expanding into feature length films in the 1930s. Their films include Sons of the Desert (1933), the Academy Award winning short film The Music Box (1932), Babes in Toyland (1934), and Way Out West (1937). Their catchphrase Well, here's another nice mess you've gotten me into! is still widely recognised.
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Prior to the double act both were established actors with Laurel appearing in over 50 films and Hardy in over 250 films. Although the two comedians first worked together on the film The Lucky Dog (1921), this was a chance pairing and it wasn't until 1926, when both separately signed contracts with the Hal Roach film studio, that they began appearing in movie shorts together.[2] Laurel and Hardy officially became a team the following year for the silent short film Putting Pants on Philip (1927). The pair remained with the Roach studio until 1940, then appeared in eight "B" comedies for 20th Century Fox and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer from 1941 to 1945.[3] Disappointed by the reduced level of creative control they had had over their films they instead concentrated on stage shows from 1946 to 1950, embarking on a music hall tour of England, Ireland and Scotland.[3] In 1950 they made their last film, a French/Italian co-production called Atoll K, before retiring from the screen. In total they appeared together in 107 films. They starred in 40 short sound films, 32 short silent films and 23 full length feature films, and made 12 guest or cameo appearances.
A common comedy routine was a tit-for-tat fight. Their silent film Big Business (1929) which includes one of these routines was added to the Library of Congress as a national treasure in 1992. Notable Laurel traits included crying like a baby while being berated by Hardy and pulling up his hair when in shock. On December 1, 1954, the team made their only American television appearance, surprised by Ralph Edwards on his live NBC-TV program, This Is Your Life.
The works of Laurel and Hardy have been re-released in numerous theatrical reissues, television revivals, 16mm and 8mm home movies, feature-film compilations, and home video since the 1930s. They were voted the seventh greatest comedy act in a 2005 UK poll by fellow comedians. The duo's signature tune, generally known "The Dance of the Cuckoos", played on the opening credits of their films. The official Laurel and Hardy appreciation society is known as The Sons of the Desert, after a fraternal society in their film of the same name.