alexanderdavies-99382
Released in 1931, "Our Wife" is about Ollie planning to marry his sweetheart and with Stan as his best man. Naturally, things don't go according to plan! First, the future father-in- law James Finlayson objects to the marriage. Second, the bride to-be is of a considerable shape. The latter problem features much more later on in the film! Ollie decides to elope with his girl but this also presents a few challenges... The first half of "Our Wife" works very well but somehow, the final 10 minutes isn't quite so great. It is still a good Laurel and Hardy short but not quite vintage. I laughed at Stan trying to help Ollie prepare for the big day because you just know it won't work the way they wish!
mark.waltz
Chubby rich girl Babe London is all giddy because it's her wedding day, that is she thinks until her father James Finlayson sees the photo of her groom: Oliver Hardy. For what reason, we don't know, but let's just presume it's simply because it's Mr. Hardy. After Laurel practically destroys Oliver's attempts to get ready, they have an even more difficult time getting Babe out of her home and into Laurel's tiny little car. Then it's off to justice of the peace Ben Turpin's for an even bigger mix-up. The visual gags are a big delight, starting with the goofy pictures of the plump bride and groom to be. Oliver gets burnt thanks to a toxic bottle of perfume and eventually literally brings out the dining room and all the intended decorations. A comic delight from start to finish, it made me want to see more of the charming Ms. London.
Prichards12345
After re-watching many of their films over the past two months I'm running out of superlatives. Our Wife is yet another brilliant short from Stan and Ollie. A frantic farce with at least 3 classic pratfalls.There's Jimmy Fin plunging headlong down the stairs: there's Ollie flying into his own wedding cake after tripping on some ice: and there's Ollie plummeting through the window when attempting to elope with his similar-sized sweetheart. How on earth did they do this stuff in 1931?The scene of Ollie and his bride trying to fit in Stan's tiny hired car is hysterical: makes me wonder did the Marx Brothers borrow this idea for their famous (and equally brilliant) stateroom scene in A Night At The Opera? Of course throw in Ben Turpin as the JP and you have another brilliant comedian to add to the salad.I'd not seen this one in many years, and each gag is simply wonderful. The laughter comes fast and furious. Mr. Laurel and Mr. Hardy I salute your genius.
Michael_Elliott
Our Wife (1931) *** 1/2 (out of 4) Hardy and his fiancé have to run off to get married so they get Laurel for help, which of course leads to disaster. There are plenty of wonderful jokes and gags here including the small limousine and the best one when Hardy falls into a cake and brings a lot more with him.Helpmates (1932) *** 1/2 (out of 4) Mrs. Hardy is out of town so Hardy throws a big party. When the wife plans on returning home early Hardy must get Laurel to help him clean the house. Another wonderful short has non-stop laughs from start to finish. There really isn't one skit that sticks out but instead the laughs just build up.Me and My Pal (1933) *** (out of 4) Hardy is about to be married but Laurel gives him a jigsaw puzzle for a wedding gift. The two start working on it and forget all about the wedding. This is more amusing than funny, although the final riot does get plenty of laughs.
AD
