Watch Laurel and Hardy "Habeas Corpus"
- 1928
- 20 min
Laurel and Hardy's "Habeas Corpus" is a classic comedy film from 1928, directed by James Parrott, and featuring the dynamic duo of Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy at the height of their comedic prowess. This film is one of the best examples of their iconic comedic style and showcases their unique talents for slapstick humor and physical comedy.
The film follows the hilarious misadventures of Stan and Ollie, who find themselves entangled in a legal dispute after they accidentally steal a load of bread from a local bakery. As they attempt to clear their names and evade the law, they inadvertently become the subject of a high-profile murder case, only adding to their troubles.
The movie begins with Stan and Ollie traveling across town to get their car fixed. Along the way, they visit a bakery where Ollie decides to grab some fresh bread, but in the process, he ends up taking much more than he bargained for. While driving away, they are stopped by a police officer, who sees the stolen goods in their car and immediately accuses them of theft.
The next scene takes place inside a courtroom, where Laurel and Hardy are on trial for their crimes. However, their bumbling attempts to defend themselves only serve to infuriate the judge and the jury further, and they are sentenced to serve time in prison.
It is during their stay in jail that the real trouble begins, as they witness a murder and are mistakenly identified as the culprits. As they try to clear their names and find the real murderer, they get themselves into even more trouble, including breaking out of jail and being hunted down by the police.
Despite the dire circumstances, Laurel and Hardy never lose their unique sense of humor and wit, and throughout the film, they manage to bring levity to even the most serious situations.
The film also features a strong supporting cast, including the hilarious James Finlayson as the gruff and long-suffering judge, and Charlotte Mineau as the tough but fair prison warden. Their interactions with Stan and Ollie provide some of the film's funniest moments and help to keep the story moving along at a brisk pace.
What sets "Habeas Corpus" apart from other Laurel and Hardy films is its politically charged subtext. The film was released during a time of great social and economic upheaval, and its themes of injustice, corruption, and class struggle resonate strongly with the times.
Overall, "Habeas Corpus" is a must-see for any fan of classic comedy, and its timeless humor and witty writing make it an enduring classic. It showcases Laurel and Hardy at the height of their comedic powers, and their chemistry and comic timing are a testament to their enduring appeal.
Laurel and Hardy "Habeas Corpus" is a 1928 comedy with a runtime of 20 minutes.