SERVING AS A SORT of "Back To The Future" convoluted, retro precursor of the still unformed Laurel & Hardy team, THE LUCKY DOG is a dichotomy of film history. In the first place, it is the first time than both Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy appear in the same comedy. And, although it is a delight to see the two great funny men working together for this initial encounter, it is not a true L & H comedy as we know it.
BEING THAT THIS is a starring vehicle for Stan, it should surprise no one that he has the Lion's share of the screen time. The scenario, such as it is, revolves around a rather typical 'Boy meets Girl' plot. As is so very commonplace, much of the humor is derived from the frustrations that plague all of us when it comes to romantic involvement.
ADDING WHAT WE would call a parallel sort of romance, Stan's mongrel dog displays definite interest in the girl's poodle. The inclusion of this plot device serves not only to provide a canine mirror image of their masters' world; but also provides a strong moving force for the story. Much of the middle action takes place at the Kennel Club Show, all of which brings all of the principals together.Even the title takes on a deeper, multi-faceted meaning; making "Lucky Dog" a sort of cinematic pun.
THE SCREEN PERSONA displayed by Stan Laurel, while energetic, clever and inclined toward physical comedy, is not the dimwitted guy that we all know and love. This character is brash and highly energetic. In many respects, what is presented on the screen is more akin to that of many other comics' films. This manic Stan's comedy is much more like that of Harold Lloyd or Charley Chase. This comedy could have been done by either of these silent masters.
AND THAT BRINGS us back to the main interest in THE LUCKY DOG; that being the first work that Stan and "Babe" did together. Being filmed in 1919 and released in 1921, the film predated the actual formation of the Laurel & Hardy team by a good 7 or 8 years. At that time, at Hal Roach Studios, association with folks like Mr. Roach, Leo McCarey and others, Stan's brash, young guy left. In his place, the slowly paced, dimwitted man-child replaced him forever.
SLOWING THINGS DOWN sped up their success.
