Jitterbugs (1943)

The boys team up with a likable con man to help a pretty singer's mother who's been taken in by swindlers.

Director:

Malcolm St. Clair

Writer:

Scott Darling (screen play)

Stars:

Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy, Vivian Blaine

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Stan Laurel	...	Stan
Oliver Hardy	...	Ollie
Vivian Blaine	...	Susan Cowan
Robert Bailey	...	Chester Wright (as Bob Bailey)
Douglas Fowley	...	Malcolm Bennett
Noel Madison	...	Tony Queen
Lee Patrick	...	Dorcas
Robert Emmett Keane	...	Henry Corcoran

Storyline

The two-man Laurel and Hardy Zoot Suit Band find themselves fronting a scam for "gasolene pills" in wartime oil-short America. They are however soon on the side of the angels helping recover $10,000 for an attractive young lady whose family have themselves been swindled.

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Plot Keywords:

zoot suit | singer | con man | orchestra | revolving door | 

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Taglines:

This is that movie about those people.

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Genres:

Comedy

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

11 June 1943 (USA)

Also Known As:

Bucha e Estica, Músicos de Jazz

Filming Locations:

Palmdale, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$310,600 (estimated)

Gross:

$1,100,000 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation

Technical Specs

Runtime:

75 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Wartime rationing had an impact on the duo's films. In this case, shoes were rationed to three pairs a year, and the dancers had to rehearse in bare feet. Also, because so many young men had joined the armed forces, the original plan to have 150 jitterbug teams in the jitterbug scene had to be reduced, and the 50 couples planned were reduced to 30. Not only that, but the "zoot suits" the duo wore needed a special dispensation because it was at the time considered a profligate use of material.

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Goofs

When Oliver Hardy is disguised as the Southern colonel he hands a prop to juvenile lead Bob Bailey and says, "Here, Bob." However, Bailey's character is named Chester Wright.

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Quotes

Oliver: Well, here's another fine mess you've gotten me into!

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Connections

Referenced in Hollywood Mouth 2 (2013)

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Soundtracks

"I Had the Craziest Dream"
(1943) (uncredited)
Music by Harry Warren
Played by Stan and Ollie at the carnival
Also played by the band at the River Boat

User Reviews

Past their peak, but still very watchable

This is an enjoyable film for L&H fans, despite it not being as funny as their earlier features. However, that is to be expected in anybody's career.

Far better that they made it than just retiring in 1940. Don't expect their best, but give it a viewing