Hog Wild

As is usually the case, a series of unfortunate events lead to the near destruction of Oliver Hardy. Ollie would like the day off but his wife insists that he finally get on the roof and adjust the radio antenna. Of course, he will need someone to help and we know who that is. After destroying the chimney, there are continuous hilarious mishaps, including bricks falling on Ollie's head. It is classic to watch him sit there, thinking each brick is the last and the another falls. Oliver was the master of the despairing victim. Stanley means well but is a horror when it comes to fixing things. Eventually, Stan makes the mistake of tying a rope to the car to anchor the big guy. Well, it's expected and, once again, a delight. The car starting scene with Stan is stunningly funny.

Oliver is having memory problems and is losing stuff which causes a fight with his wife. In a strop she demands he put up the aerial so her radio can pick up stations from Japan. Stan comes round and is enticed by the chance to hear Japan that he offers to help put the aerial up on the roof. However with two men on the job the chances of accidents doubles!

After a seemingly pointless and confusing start this short settles down to be a very enjoyable film that has good routines that sound basic but are very well executed and are, more importantly, very funny. The opening title card talks about Hardy losing his memory and Laurel never having had one to lose. There is then a short scene where hardy can't find his hat and then the whole amnesia thing is forgotten as the film moves to the aerial plot. It gets much better at this point and is very funny.

Although really it is simply a list of ways for one of the characters to fall down - it is done well and some of the bits are clever. The final sequence of the film is the best and must have been the most difficult to film. As always it is the delivery of the lead duo who make the material work (and last over decades). They do sterling work here – as always my favourite is Hardy. In this short more than others you can see him when he jumps up in frustration and points his fingers into the air – it reminds me so much of modern characters (such as George from Seinfeld) and it shows what an influence they have had.

Although on paper this doesn't sound that inspired I assure you that, if you enjoy the comedy of Laurel and Hardy, that you'll find much to enjoy here. But even if you are yet to discover them this is a fine example of their talents before they progressed from shorts into features.

This movie shows what Laurel & Hardy shorts are all about. Crazy situations, silly antics and some crazy stunts.

This short is truly one of the best from Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. The story is very simple and basically only serves as a lame excuse to make the boys do some crazy things and to get them into some (unlikely) silly situations. The movie becomes absolutely hilarious due to its simpleness. The comical slapstick situations are top-class and absolutely hilarious to watch. The movie is fast paced which makes this movie an almost non-stop constantly laugh filled one.

The situations and troubles the two boys get into this time are highly original. The movie and its story might be simple but its comical situations are not. They are well build up, executed and timed.

This is what Laurel & Hardy is all about! One of their best and most typical shorts. An absolute must-see!

9/10

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A lot of people consider "Way Out West" or "Sons of the Desert" or even "Flying Deuces" to be Laurel and Hardy's funniest film, but I consider this short to be the most amusing thing they ever did. From the simplest plot--Ollie and Stan try to hang a radio antenna--comes some of the funniest situations imaginable. Everything that could go wrong does, usually with Ollie blaming Stan, Stan getting emotional, and havoc ensuing. L&H had to turn out several shorts every year, so some are funny and others are indifferent at best. This time, all the elements came together wonderfully. Hopefully "Hog Wild" will wind up on DVD before they disappear. Someway, somehow, find this and watch it.

"Hog Wild" is not only one of Laurel & Hardy's best films, it's simply one of the greatest shorts ever made. Give the boys a simple situation, let 'em milk twenty minutes worth of inspired gags out of it and you have a damn near perfect comedy.

In this 1930s short, Laurel & Hardy are planning to put up an aerial, ("Mrs Hardy wants to get Japan!"). That is all there is to say about the story; what we get is Laurel & Hardy playing with tools, Ollie being pestered by his wife and a hilarious slapstick finale which manages to remain completely in character. With about 18 minutes of pantomime and 2 minutes of dialogue, "Hog Wild" represents Laurel & Hardy at their absolute best. And we know how good that is!