Another reviewer wrote that Stan Laurel's films before he teamed with Oliver Hardy were unwatchable. Well, this certainly is true of some of his films, but it is also a gross over-generalization. While this is only an average film, it certainly is very watchable. In addition, such Stan Laurel solo efforts as MUD AND SAND and especially DR. PYCKLE AND MR. PRYDE are excellent films and can't just be written off so quickly. I would definitely beg to differ with the reviewer's assertion and maybe they just need to see more of his solo films. I've seen about 20 or more and have found them to be a very mixed bag.
As for SHORT KILTS, it's somewhat reminiscent of an early Oliver Hardy film, THE BATTLE ROYAL. Both are about two homes where children from each household want to marry each other BUT their happiness is marred by a feud that erupts between the families. In BATTLE ROYAL, they were stereotypical hillbillies and in SHORT KILTS they are very stereotypical Scotsmen. Interestingly, one of the actors (James Finlayson) was actually from Scotland and it's interesting to see him here with Stan Laurel--as they'd both make a lot of films together after Stan paired with Ollie. In addition, another perennial Hal Roach star, Mickey Daniels, is in the film playing one of the youngest members of the family. He already was making a name for himself with the "Our Gang" films and would later star in Roach's "Boy Friends" films.
The film is very watchable--thanks mostly to an exceptionally pristine print and a nice soundtrack on the version available in the "Laurel and Hardy Collection: 2". The only problem is that the jokes are only fair--and it's only a mildly funny film. But it's also pretty harmless and easy to watch. All in all, NOT a film necessary to see but one that fans of Laurel and Hardy might enjoy for its historical value.
