Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy wholly deserved their status as an iconic duo. At their very best they were hilarious, and even when not at their best they amused, and there was nothing distasteful about their humour. Most of their output, shorts and feature films, ranged from entertaining to classic comedy. Even their lesser efforts were not unwatchable (so films like 'Swiss Miss') and had their merits.
Do feel though that 'A Chump at Oxford' is a long way from being one of Laurel and Hardy's all-time best and from being a classic, it is however still very enjoyable and one of their better films from their later output, even with its faults. Would not recommend it as a must watch as far their filmography and comedy goes, but it is worth a look if mainly for completest sake.
Visually, 'A Chump at Oxford' is not one of their better-looking films, with some it being particularly crudely edited and giving a somewhat choppy feel.
In terms of story, this aspect always was fairly slight or not much of one in their short and feature films. 'A Chump at Oxford' is that and also feels disjointed at times, not everything connects and there is some padding that could have been trimmed or cut. As amusing as the opening was it didn't seem to fit within the rest of the film.
For all those faults, the duo are on top form, especially Laurel in the Lord Paddington parts. They charm immensely, their comic timing is impeccable with plenty of sly verbal wit and nimble physical comedy. Some of the humour is also surprisingly gentle, making 'A Chump at Oxford' quite endearing. Their partnership/chemistry was deservedly iconic and that is evident here, it is not a case of one being more interesting and better used than the other like a lot of their early efforts pre-'Two Tars' were and it is impossible to find fault with how well they gel together.
'A Chump at Oxford' is full of funny moments that never felt predictable or repetitive, the pranks having enough variety. It has been said that Laurel's Lord Paddington and the humour revolving around him are the highlight, and absolutely do agree with this. Absolutely hilarious and some of the funniest material for Laurel of his and Hardy's late outings. The supporting cast do well, the students are not annoying at all, Anita Garvin and especially James Finlayson are faultless and it was interesting seeing Peter Cushing in an early performance.
On the whole, not one of the duo's best but fun and enjoyable. 7/10 Bethany Cox
