Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy are the most famous comedy duo in history, and deservedly so, so I am happy to see any of their films. At a Broadway hotel they are expecting a prince and his prime minister, they mistake Stan and Ollie for them. So after signing in and the manager greeting them, Ollie gives him the letter that reveals them as a short notice doorman and footman. As they go to change the real Prince (Hans Joby, or Captain John Peters) and Prime Minister (Charley Rogers) show up, and keep ending up at the bottom of the elevator shaft, covered with mud, with Stan and Ollie dressed and walking out of it. Ollie makes the mistake of blowing a whistle for the Cabbie (Charlie Hall), and Stan causes a man's shirt to come apart pulling a loose fibre. Ollie keeps missing the door to let people out, and when Stan manages it he gets a coin from the customer. Ollie of course wants this coin, and Stan's whimpers when he has it taken, till a Policeman (Tiny Sandford) comes along, and Ollie is forced to give him another one when his is tossed down the drain. When Stan blows Ollie's cab whistle, the Cabbie and they end up in a little squabble ripping each other's hats and buttons off, with the Cabbie accidentally doing it to the Policeman. Then a cab pulls up with Swanky blonde (Jean Harlow) coming out, and her dress is ripped off when Stan catches it in the cab door, with Ollie escorting her inside the hotel. After Ollie gets Stan's coat there is another little squabble poking each other with a few others joining in,and some cake getting thrown on the Prince and Prime Minister. The film ends with the Prince and Prime Minister ending up at the bottom of the elevator shaft, with Stan and Ollie changed and walking out. Filled with good slapstick and all classic comedy you want from a black and white film, the music added to the film sounds off tune at times, but I suppose it doesn't matter, it is an enjoyable silent film. Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy were number 7 on The Comedians' Comedian. Worth watching!
Review of Double Whoopee
