Sons of the Desert (1933)

Director:

William A. Seiter

Writers:

Frank Craven (story)
Byron Morgan (continuity)

Release Date:

29 December 1933 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy

Plot:

When Stan and Ollie trick their wives into thinking that they are taking a medicinal cruise while they're actually going to a convention, the wives find out the truth the hard way.

Plot Keywords:

Convention | Lodge | Chicago | Veterinarian | Newsreel

Cast

Stan Laurel	...	Stan
Oliver Hardy	...	Ollie
Charley Chase	...	Charley Chase
Mae Busch	...	Mrs. Lottie Hardy
Dorothy Christy	...	Mrs. Betty Laurel
Lucien Littlefield	...	Dr. Horace Meddick

Also Known As:

Fraternally Yours (UK)

Runtime:

68 min | 65 min (TCM print)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Sound System)

Certification:

West Germany:6 (nf) | Finland:S (1947)

Filming Locations:

Hal Roach Studios - 8822 Washington Blvd., Culver City, California, USA

Company:

Hal Roach Studios

Trivia:

The role of Stan Laurel's wife was originally slated for Patsy Kelly, but Hal Roach had loaned her to MGM for Going Hollywood (1933), which was running over schedule when shooting for this film began. Dorothy Christy joined the cast as Stan's wife four days into filming.

Goofs:

Crew or equipment visible: In the first wide shot in the ship docking area, before Laurel and Hardy's wives arrive, following news of the Honolulu ship sinking, a crew member and camera tripod are clearly visible reflected in a glass door.

Quotes:

Oliver: To catch a Hardy they've got to get up very early in the morning.
Stan: What time?
Oliver: Oh about half past - "What time." Hmph.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Doogie Howser, M.D.: Sons of the Desert (#3.21)" (1992)

Soundtrack:

Auld Lang Syne

I'd give it an 11

Almost perfect! The finish isn't up to the rest of the movie, but the absolutely hilarious beginning and middle make it one of the funniest movies ever.

Here are Stan and Ollie at their peak. Many of their trademark gags and takes appear, easily woven into the story, perfectly timed and crafted with comic panache.

The plot- henpecked husbands sneaking off for revelry- is now rather obsolete, but that doesn't diminish the clever narrative movement. Putting Charley Chase into a small role enhanced it, and the wives were very well played.

I don't rate many movies a 10, but one that gives pleasure over and over and over deserves it.