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Sons of the Desert (1933)

 -  Comedy  -  29 December 1933 (USA)
7.7
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Ratings: 7.7/10 from 3,993 users  
Reviews: 49 user | 22 critic

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.

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(story), (continuity), 6 more credits »
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Title: Sons of the Desert (1933)

Sons of the Desert (1933) on IMDb 7.7/10

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Cast

Complete credited cast:
...
...
...
Charley Chase
Mae Busch ...
Mrs. Lottie Hardy
Dorothy Christy ...
Mrs. Betty Laurel
Lucien Littlefield ...
Dr. Horace Meddick
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Storyline

So that he and Stan can sneak away to Chicago and attend the annual "Sons of the Desert" lodge convention, Ollie pretends to be sick, and gets a doctor (who turns out to be a veterinarian) to prescribe a long ocean voyage to Hawaii. Decked out in leis and strumming ukeleles, they return home only to learn that the ship supposedly carrying them has sunk. Their hastily- contrived tale of "ship-hiking" their way back cuts no ice with their wives, who've been at the movies watching a newsreel of the lodge's convention parade, starring... guess who? Written by Paul Penna <tterrace@wco.com>

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Genres:

Comedy

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

29 December 1933 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Die Wüstensöhne  »

Company Credits

Production Co:

 »
Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

| (TCM print)

Sound Mix:

(Western Electric Sound System)

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1
See  »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Although his characterization of Mrs. Hardy's brother is a highlight among fans, Charley Chase hated the part as being too far removed form his usual screen character. Ironically, he repeats this type of character in "The Heckler", one of his last, and most critically acclaimed, shorts. See more »

Goofs

When Laurel and Hardy are returned to their wives by the police officer, as they are led inside the house, the camera tilts back slightly and the boom mic is visible at the top of the frame as they walk toward the couch. See more »

Quotes

Dr. Horace Meddick: What seems to be the trouble?
Stan: I think he's suffering from a nervous shakedown.
See more »

Connections

Remake of His Doctor's Orders (1914) See more »

Soundtracks

"Tramp! Tramp! Tramp! (The Boys Are Marching)"
(1864) (uncredited)
Music and Lyrics by George Frederick Root
Contained in "We Are the Sons of the Desert" Song
Reprised by the marching band in Chicago
See more »

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User Reviews

 
The boys go to a convention while wives think they're in Hawaii
2 April 2005 | by (White Plains, NY) – See all my reviews

I love this movie. I was reduced to tears the first time I saw it and am reduced to tears every time I've seen it in the 50 years since. Talk about a movie holding up over 70 years. To my mind, it's the Citizen Kane of comedy. Everything about it is pitch perfect. To watch the boys as they sink deeper and deeper into absurdity in explaining their arrival back ahead of the rescue ship is a marvel to watch. There are so many subtle, nonsensical and memorable moments that stay in the mind years later one almost doesn't know where to start. The solemn dark lighting of the opening scene spoofing fraternal organizations, eating the wax fruit, the range of facial expressions of the wives throughout, the shot of the boys from the back sitting facing the fireplace as Stan disses his wife, Stan's wife in hunting regalia returning shotgun in arm carrying ducks, Ollie flirting on the phone not realizing it's his wife he's talking to, the stream of consciousness dialog in the attic, and on and on and on. A subtlety perhaps missed by many is the wonderful song and dance number at the night club....a simply wonderful lampoon to perfection of crooner Dick Powell and spoof of Busby Berkeley with those clunky but charming Hula dancers, struggling in a valiant but ultimately hopeless attempt to dance, fanning out to the camera and culminating in that marvelous overhead shot near the close. Just great. I could write a book on this movie, but I'll just suggest to viewers to get William K. Everson's book on the films of Laurel & Hardy and read what one of the great critics has to say about this gem.


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