THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE WORLD’S GREATEST COMEDY ACT.Ā
In 1953, Laurel and Hardy (Steve Coogan, John C. Reilly) are on a music-hall tour in Britain, struggling with ill health, waning enthusiasm and lingering resentments. This biopic begins with an irresistible look at Laurel & Hardy being on top of the world in Hollywood back in 1937 and then fast-forwards to their autumn years. The tension and undeniable love between them is beautifully captured and the two leading actors embody the legendary comedians with perfect attention to detail. On the whole, the film is simple but the central relationship is moving and poignant; wonderful supporting turns by Shirley Henderson and Nina Arianda.
2018-Britain-Canada-U.S. 98 min. Color. Widescreen. Produced byĀ Faye Ward. Directed byĀ Jon S. Baird. Screenplay: Jeff Pope. Book: A.J. Marriot (āLaurel & Hardy: The British Toursā). Cast: Steve Coogan (Stan Laurel), John C. Reilly (Oliver Hardy), Shirley Henderson (Lucille Hardy), Danny Huston, Nina Arianda, Rufus Jones.
Last word: “We had a huge rehearsal time. We had three weeks of rehearsal, which is quite unusual for a movie this size. We had a choreographer who would come in and work with John and Steve, and seven days a week they were working twelve hours a day at these routines. In anything, if something looks effortless, it usually means that there’s so much effort put into it. That was like Laurel & Hardy, as well; that’s what they did. We wanted to give John and Steve those conditions, and also to make them bond as a double act, as well. They needed the time to be together. The film was really made in the rehearsal room.” (Baird, Screen Rant)
