Stan Laurel & Oliver Hardy’s first film as a double act was made in 1926. 107 movies later they’d become the world’s best-loved comedy team, captivating millions with their hilarious antics and influencing generations of performers. This entertaining talk explores the secrets behind their movies, introduces some of their co-stars and looks at their legacy as comedians and film-makers.

First presented at the Library at Willesden Green in 2017 to coincide with the 60th anniversary of Oliver Hardy’s death this talk and film show aimed to be a true multi-media celebration of this greatest of comedy teams. Brent Council arranged for a film licence to show “Below Zero”, one of Stan and Ollie’s greatest shorts and beforehand I introduced a summary of their fabulous careers. With rare private footage, clips and photographs from the films they made before teaming up and an examination of what made them tick as comic actors, it proved a huge hit with an audience of all ages.

“A real treat” Brent Culture

A reprise of this popular talk (at a non-soundproofed space) in Wembley Library in 2018.

FURTHER READING:

MR LAUREL AND MR HARDY by John McCabe

THE COMEDY WORLD OF STAN LAUREL by John McCabe

STAN AND OLLIE: THE ROOTS OF COMEDY by Simon Louvish

THE LAUREL & HARDY ENCYCLOPEDIA by Glenn Mitchell

THE POCKET ESSENTIAL LAUREL & HARDY by Brian J Robb

SILENT COMEDY by Paul Merton

THE SPEED OF SOUND by Scott Eyman