Backs to Nature (1933)

The girls are going on a camping trip.

Director:

Gus Meins

Stars:

Thelma Todd, Patsy Kelly, Don Barclay

Cast

Cast overview:
Thelma Todd	...	Thelma
Patsy Kelly	...	Patsy

Storyline

Patsy and Thelma have been working hard at a stressful Manhattan job checking luggage in and out. They have some time off coming: Thelma wants to relax at an Atlantic City hotel, but Patsy convinces her to go tent camping, promising to take care of everything. To Thelma's chagrin, little goes right from pitching the tent to gathering firewood and cooking dinner. When Thelma finally relaxes late the first night, it's Patsy's turn to worry - about bears - after an odd ranger warns them to keep the bacon hidden.

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Plot Keywords:

camping | tent | bear | hunting party | forest ranger | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Short

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

14 November 1933 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Hal Roach Studios

Technical Specs

Runtime:

20 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

User Reviews

See Thelma Todd imitate Oliver Hardy

I am NOT a fan of the shorts of Thelma Todd and Patsy Kelly--so please understand this and consider this as you read. I have never thought any of their films were anything better than mediocre, so the fact I didn't like this isn't a surprise to me. However, it IS better than many of their films--believe me, it can be a lot worse than BACKS TO NATURE. Also, it is interesting to see Ms. Todd using many of Oliver Hardy's mannerisms. Sure, they both made films for Roach Studios, but this was the first time I could see again and again little mannerisms lifted right from Oliver Hardy--including the fidgeting with the hat and the expressions. I really wonder if this was originally planned as a Laurel and Hardy short but it was passed on to the ladies--perhaps because it was an inferior script. As for Patsy Kelly (the loudest "comedienne" in history), she did a lot of the same moves Stan Laurel used to do as well--especially tripping over things or accidentally knocking things over. HOWEVER, the difference is that Stanley was dumb but sweet and well-meaning. Ms. Kelly, was more just a boorish and self-centered character that was a lot harder to like or connect with--making the film reminiscent of Stan and Ollie but without the charm.