The Lucky Dog (Short 1921)

The Lucky Dog (Short 1921). 17m

“So, here it is – Stan Laurel alongside Oliver Hardy in a film for the first time. The first on-screen words Oliver Hardy speaks to his future partner are: u0026quot;Stick u0026#39;em both up, insect, before I comb your hair with lead.u0026quot; It seems that Mr Stanley Laurel has gone too far this time – has Ollie had enough even before theyu0026#39;ve started?u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eWell, if Mr Hardy had said this in a typical Laurel u0026amp; Hardy comedy, it might seem that way, although the outcome would of course be very different, with these two ever-endearing square pegs continuing together on their awkward journey through life – me and my pal. But this isnu0026#39;t a typical comedy from the Masters of Mirth; this is essentially a Stan Laurel showcase, where he plays a snappily ebullient, natty juvenile, who picks up a stray dog and is accused by its owners of u0026#39;dog-nappingu0026#39;; Oliver Hardy displays his formidable and well-used talents as a rough looking u0026#39;heavyu0026#39;, or villain. Their two scenes together only indicate a little of what was to come, but the film is fascinating if only to view the two greatest comedians of all time sharing the screen about six years before they officially became a team, at a time when Stan u0026quot;didnu0026#39;t think … there was much future in picturesu0026quot; as far as he was concerned, and both could only dream of the huge artistic heights they would scale and immeasurable critical and popular success they would only enjoy to a relatively small extent in their lifetimes, compared to the esteem they are held in today. Although it may be slight as a creative accomplishment, being only a pleasant film experience, and even though it really had no overall impact on Laurel u0026amp; Hardyu0026#39;s development or existence as a team, this film should not be overlooked, as it is a very important part of film history, bringing together for the first time the funniest men ever to appear in any medium.”