Watch March of the Wooden Soldiers

In 1934, the world was introduced to the classic holiday film, March of the Wooden Soldiers, starring the legendary comedic duo Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. The film follows the whimsical misadventures of Laurel and Hardy as they try to save their community from impending doom. The movie was remastered in color, giving this timeless tale a fresh new look that is sure to delight audiences of all ages.

The movie is set in a quaint village called Toyland, where beloved nursery rhyme characters such as Mother Goose, Old King Cole, and Bo-Peep live. The opening scene features a glimpse into the daily life of the village, with the streets bustling with life and people going about their day. The film introduces us to the protagonist, Stannie Dum (Stan Laurel), and Ollie Dee (Oliver Hardy), Toyland's inept toymakers. The duo is tasked with creating new toys for the upcoming holiday season for their boss, the villainous Silas Barnaby (Henry Brandon).

As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Silas is not the kind of person you want to cross. He is a wealthy and powerful man who enjoys causing trouble for the villagers. Silas has a bone to pick with Stannie and Ollie because of their inability to repay him for the mortgage on their toy shop. Silas plots to foreclose on the shop and evict the duo, forcing them to leave Toyland forever. In desperation, Stannie and Ollie devise a plan to pay off their mortgage and save their shop by teaming up with Bo-Peep (Charlotte Henry) and her sweetheart Tom-Tom (Felix Knight) to put on a show for Toyland.

The main highlight of the movie is the climactic march of the Wooden Soldiers. Stannie and Ollie are tasked with guarding the workshop that houses Toyland's most prized possession, a battalion of living wooden soldiers. The duo's incompetence results in Silas stealing the secret formula that brings the wooden soldiers to life, and he creates his own army to take over Toyland. The magical glass toy houses, which are the only things that can stop the wooden soldiers, are destroyed by Silas, leaving Toyland defenseless.

As the wooden soldiers begin their march through Toyland, chaos ensues, and it seems like all hope is lost. The villagers watch in horror as Toyland is reduced to rubble. However, in true holiday spirit, the protagonists and their friends come up with a plan to defeat Silas and his wooden soldiers, saving the village from destruction. They must overcome all odds to save the day and restore peace to Toyland.

The movie's cinematography is remarkable, featuring intricate sets, impressive costumes, and appealing colors. The film's production efforts particularly stand out during the march of the Wooden Soldiers as the vast army navigates its way through the village and takes on the city's defenders. The sequence is visually engaging and ensures viewers are gripped until the very end.

The film has stood the test of time and remains a classic for all ages. Its whimsical storytelling, endearing characters, and timeless message of sacrifice and friendship make it a must-see. The movie's colorized version breathes fresh life into the timeless story, making it more vibrant, brilliant, and appealing to recent audiences. The introduction of new colors enhances a viewer's viewing experience and shows the movie's creative brilliance in all its glory.

In conclusion, March of the Wooden Soldiers is a timeless classic holiday movie that will leave you in awe. The movie's colorized version reintroduces the ageless tale, adding more vibrancy to the story's characters, and enhances its rich cinematography. Laurel and Hardy's performances, combined with the film's creative storytelling and production, make it a must-watch for the holidays. Whether you're watching for the first time or revisiting the movie, March of the Wooden Soldiers embodies the essence of cheer, wit, and holiday spirit.

March of the Wooden Soldiers is a 1934 fantasy movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 17 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.