Les rois de la blague

Con man Chester Wright (Bob Bailey) rescues stranded musicians Stan (Stan Laurel) and Ollie (Oliver Hardy) in the desert when their car breaks down. After using the boys in a few con acts, the men escape together in a trailer -- where they discover Susan Cowan (Vivian Blaine), whose purse Chester stole. When Chester discovers that Susan's mother has been swindled by professionals, he and the boys set out to pursue the con men to New Orleans, where they also turn Susan into a singing star.

Not as funny as the other L & H entries, yet still fun and entertaining. Stan Laurel dressed as Ollie's mother was a hoot - there are plenty of songs sung by the leading lady between the hi-jinks and humorous situation. Not as sharp as other L & H entries but it's still fun.

Just watching this film on the Talking Pictures TV channel, I don't know this movie. I am a huge Stan and Ollie fan, and have seen far too few of their movies and simply couldn't resist viewing it.

Frankly I am ashamed of the atrocious rating for this movie here on IMDb, I can only assume it's culled from the abysmal reviews.

To my mind Laurel and Hardy still outshine a large percentage, of the tat that passes for 'comedy' these days. Their movies are still funnier than a great amount, of 'comedy' dross that the film industry still try and palm us off with. As a Brit I have to say that the absolute worst culprits, are the American film companies.

Fox wanted 'commercial $ makers and their 21st century compatriots, are still up to the same fiscal shenanigans.

There is nothing new in either the film nor TV industries, profit motives before quality every time.

But with Laurel and Hardy their comedic quality will always shine through, and frankly continues to transcend time itself.

They weren't as good as they'd been but still better than any other double act. This film was too plot heavy but held my attention for at least an hour and made me laugh. What more could one want from a comedy? They should definitely have been put into an MGM musical.

Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy Lived Out Their Final Decade as a Super-Popular Comedy Team, Free Agents, but Paid the Price.

That of Hollywood Indifference After Racking Up the Mileage in the 20's & 30's Bringing Joyful Entertainment to Millions of Fans.

This War-Time Effort Finds Our Duo Hooking Up with a Con-Man (Bob Bailey) and a Pretty (Vivian Blaine).

Their Scam (although L&H think it's on the level) is a Pill that Turns Ordinary Water into Gasoline. This Makes for a Number of Slapstick "Gas" Gags.

Stan and Ollie Look Old and Tired (they were) but Manage to Deliver an Entertaining Outing. One of Their Best of the 40's.

Vivian Blaine is Handed 3 Musical Numbers that are Flat-Out Dull and Boring.

Bob Bailey is Best Known for His Radio Character "Johnny Dollar". He Does Fine.

The Production Quality is Not Bad and the Film in Retrospect is Much Better than its Reputation.

No Need to Compare it to Their Prime.

Because the 1940's wasn't Their Prime, it was Their Final Bow.

Stan Does HIs "Drag" Routine, and the Opening Act with the Their "Zoot-Suit Band" is a Highlight.

Plenty of Fun and the Lovable Duo Reflects Much of What Made Them Special, even though the Spotlight has Dimmed Somewhat.

Underrated and Given Little Slack (it's a cruel world out there.

The Movie, for the Love of Stan and Ollie, is Certainly...Worth a Watch.

Stan & Ollie are travelling musicians who run out of gas in the middle of nowhere and are helped out by a travelling salesman, Chester (Bob Bailey). He gives them one of his gas pills to put in their car and they decide to go into business combining their music act with selling these pills. When they try their luck in the next town, Chester meets Susan (Vivian Blaine) and she joins the gang. The plot then changes direction as we learn that Susan's aunt has had $10,000 dollars stolen by crooks. Chester, Susan, Stan & Ollie are determined to get the money back and the film follows their efforts to do this as Stan & Ollie pose as different characters at a hotel, while Susan takes a job as a singer at a club.

There are some funny scenes and Vivian Blaine sings 3 songs. Its all completely unbelievable nonsense but at the end of the film you feel that you have been entertained.