8mm Forum: Can someone list the funniest Laurel & Hardy shorts?

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Posted by Winbert Hutahaean (Member # 58) on August 28, 2016, 11:29 PM:

I know funny is something individual but at least I don't want to show my kids with movies that they cannot understand.

This is due to their interest now to watch LH shorts after my successful shows with the Three Stooges. The Three Stooges has never fail since they are just funny, no matter it is a slapstick comedy.

So my funny terms is lying in the context for a kids show (below 12 yo) and must be talkies shorts as they don't like silent movies.

So can you guys help me ranging from the funniest in no. 1.

Thanks

Posted by Terry Sills (Member # 3309) on August 29, 2016, 01:32 AM:

I used to give shows to my grandchildren of that age and they always enjoyed Tom and Jerry cartoons and would keep asking for repeat shows. I think T & J appeals to all age ranges. They enjoyed L & H too.
They were also in awe of the projector which was something strange and magical to them.

Posted by Stuart Reid (Member # 1460) on August 29, 2016, 03:24 AM:

Winbert, my personal experience with a very demanding audience (Polly aged 6) is that these all got rapturous receptions:

Busy Bodies
Towed In A Hole
Laughing Gravy
The Music Box
Hog Wild

Ones that didn't go down well (audience got bored)

Them Thar Hills
Tit For Tat
County Hospital

Not a very scientific sample but hopefully it points you in the right direction.

Posted by Winbert Hutahaean (Member # 58) on August 29, 2016, 03:58 AM:

Thanks Stuart....

Yes we are like a DJ, when people are chatting or texting during the show, this means they got bored and we feel bad. [Wink]

So thanks for the list.

If there is some more input, I will appreciate. The other way around you can also list the best avoided ones, so I will not fail in screening them.

@Terry,

I am a big fans of Tom & Jerry, and I always found TJ has successful show for kid or adult audience.

I am now reaching 103 titles in my collection and just last night I was preparing to make new boxes for them. I will make another post to share this story, but here is the picture.

cheers,

Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on August 29, 2016, 03:59 AM:

Laurel and Hardy were not really slapstick comedians, and as such, a lot of their films may not appeal to young children. When I did children's parties many years ago the main films were always Tom & Jerry, completely unbeatable.

However, I did include Walton's A.347, "Perfect Day", which Walton wisely cut down to a single reel by omitting the two wives preparing the forthcoming picnic. This, with its continuous slapstick and uncle's gouty foot always brought great laughs.

At one time I took one of the my young daughters with me, and now, in her forties, when I leave her house she always shouts, Bye. Bye. Bye.

To those who unfamiliar with this repartee, this is the cry the neighbours shout every time their car seems to have an imminent departure, but something always happens to delay it. The final shot when they all (and the car) disappear into a large hole brings down the house.

Thoroughly recommended for children, or indeed, any audience.

I must dig it out and run it tonight.

Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on August 29, 2016, 04:29 AM:

Lovely story Maurice. [Wink]

Posted by James Wilson (Member # 4620) on August 29, 2016, 06:36 AM:

My favorite,
I hav`nt seen mentioned
Any Old Port.

Posted by David Fouracre (Member # 3883) on August 29, 2016, 07:33 AM:

I would agree that T & J is unbeatable for kids, and when doing party shows in the 70s and 80s, for boys, I added the "Raiders & Starwars" cut downs which always went down well. Warner Bros cartoons did not go so well with children (but any adults present loved them)!
I used to layout some Disney 400ft compilation reels, and let the birthday individual choose their particular favourite to finish the show.
The only print proving a party disaster was "Wizard of Oz" cutdown!
A rapid change of film mood is required to combat short attention-span in children.
But what a great feeling, when the children love the show!

Posted by Osi Osgood (Member # 424) on August 29, 2016, 11:41 AM:

Oh boy! That's a hard one. I have to put it into three seperate categories ... Top picks ...

Silent era ...

Big Business
Double Whoopee

Sound era

Helpmates
Busy Bodies
Towed In The Hole
The Music Box.

Features ...

Sons of the Desert
Blockheads

Posted by Simon McConway (Member # 219) on August 29, 2016, 11:48 AM:

What's the worst audience reaction anyone has had? A slow hand-clap or booing? People storming out? [Big Grin]

Posted by Mathew James (Member # 4581) on August 29, 2016, 01:13 PM:

The best one for younger kids is |Brats|
Always a hit!

Posted by Paul Adsett (Member # 25) on August 29, 2016, 03:15 PM:

I once showed Blotto at a show in my house, and one of our friends, an elderly lady, was quite literally chocking with laughter, gasping for breath so much that I thought she would literally die laughing. Which, the more you think about it, would be a great way to go.
Anyway, I also find Blotto to be the funniest of the boys many shorts, and thanks to Steve Osbourne, I have a very good S8 PRINT.

Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on August 29, 2016, 03:52 PM:

The Jerk, though quite dated now of course, is of course highly amusing given the fabulous talent of Steve Martin.

Similarly, from a purely British point of view, on actual Super 8mm film, I would say "A Fish Called Wanda" takes some beating!

Some great highly amusing performances from all members of staff on this one! [Wink]

Not Laurel & Hardy of course, but still both quite funny films on 8.

[ August 30, 2016, 08:03 AM: Message edited by: Andrew Woodcock ]

Posted by Steve Klare (Member # 12) on August 29, 2016, 07:00 PM:

When my son was about two, I got my Blackhawk "The Music Box". It was his favorite for a long time.

My wife once asked him if he'd like a toy piano. He said "Yes! I'll push it up the stairs and let it slide back down!" (-NOT what she was hoping to hear!)

He also loves "Them Thar Hills", but then again we go camping, so it's relatable for us!

Busy Bodies is one of my own favorite L&Hs. I described it in a program once as the worst industrial safety film ever made.

Posted by Joseph Randall (Member # 4906) on August 29, 2016, 07:39 PM:

HELPMATES
HOG WILD
THE MUSIC BOX
TOWED IN A HOLE
DIRTY WORK

Posted by Jim Schrader (Member # 9) on August 29, 2016, 10:07 PM:

Big business is a favorite of mine the duo tries to sell Christmas trees in California if you can find a scored copy

Posted by Joe Caruso (Member # 11) on August 30, 2016, 11:16 AM:

Odd thing, Turner will have "Ouch", a tribute to slapstick films in September, and L&H were pictured, but they were not of that genre - Debatable to some - That BLOTTO print was probably one of mine, had three at the time - Shorty

Posted by Osi Osgood (Member # 424) on August 30, 2016, 11:39 AM:

This going to sound shocking, but i don't remember having seen "Blotto." [Frown]

Posted by Paul Adsett (Member # 25) on August 30, 2016, 12:13 PM:

Well Osi, all I can tell you is to somehow get a print. Then gather a few friends together and pour everyone a glass of wine. Then project the movie. You will know what I am talking about. [Smile]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHMEyAVym9g

[ August 30, 2016, 03:05 PM: Message edited by: Paul Adsett ]

Posted by Joseph Randall (Member # 4906) on August 31, 2016, 12:19 PM:

I love BLOTTO but I didn't list it since I'm not sure if kids would like it.

But, I have loved all of Laurel and Hardy since a very young age.

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