Is Laurel and Hardy's Laughing 20's Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1965)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of Laurel and Hardy's Laughing 20's (1965), audiences are invited back into the world of Comedy. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "A compilation of primarly Laurel and Hardy shorts---From Soup to Nuts, Wrong Again, Putting the Pants on Philip, The Finishing Touch, Sugar Daddies and short clips from others---plus Max Davidson's Call of the Cuckoo and Dumb Daddies, with some cross-over Charley Chase footage, which, along with Robert Youngson's previous "The Golden Age of Comedy", "When Comedy Was King", "Days of Thrills and Laughter", led to a renewed interest in and a revival of television showings of Laurel and Hardy shorts. The cast was billed in order of their appearance: Oliver Hardy, Stan Laurel, Vivien Oakland (with a Vivian typo), Glen Tyron, Edna Murphy, Anita Garvin, Tiny Sanford, Jimmy Finlayson, Charlie Chase, Viola Richard, Max Davidson, Del Henderson, Josephine Crowell, Anders Randolf (as Anders Randolph), Edgar Kennedy, Dorothy Coburn, Lillian Elliott and "Spec" O'Donnell."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. The performance by Jay Jackson is a highlight, bringing a palpable intensity to the screen. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Comedy. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Laurel and Hardy's Laughing 20's worth your time? If you appreciate Comedy films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. It stands out as one of the stronger entries of 1965, offering enough depth to satisfy critical viewers while remaining accessible to casual audiences.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Laurel and Hardy's Laughing 20's is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 91 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.