Watch The Chimp

The Chimp is a 1932 comedy film starring the legendary comic duo of Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, alongside Bobby Burns. The movie follows the story of a down-on-his-luck carnival worker, Anatole (Laurel), who, in a desperate attempt to make some quick cash, enters his beloved pet chimpanzee, Ethel, into a boxing match against the carnival's prizefighter, Dynamite (Hardy).

What begins as a lighthearted and innocent premise soon devolves into hilarious chaos as the mismatched bout quickly becomes the talk of the carnival grounds, and Anatole experiences a rollercoaster of emotions and unexpected outcomes.

The Chimp is a true showcase of the comedic genius of Laurel and Hardy, who deliver their signature slapstick humor with perfect timing and execution. Bobby Burns adds another layer of comedy to the mix, playing the role of the shady carnival owner who thinks up the boxing match as a publicity stunt.

The film's humor is rooted in physical comedy, with the highlight being Ethel's (played by a real chimpanzee named Minnie) antics in and out of the ring. The scenes of Ethel punching Dynamite repeatedly in the face and climbing onto Anatole's shoulders are pure gold, and the running gag of her constantly stealing anybody's hat she can get her hands on is a cute touch.

Laurel's performance as Anatole is nothing short of brilliant. He plays the role of a man down on his luck with a perfect mix of vulnerability and humor, and his interactions with Ethel are heartwarming and hilarious. Hardy, as Dynamite, delivers a predictably strong performance, but it's Laurel who steals the show with his bumbling yet endearing character.

The Chimp is a fast-paced movie, with a runtime of just under 30 minutes. Though it's a short film, it packs in a lot of laughs and memorable moments. The climactic boxing match itself is worth the price of admission, as is the film's unexpected ending which will leave you in stitches.

The movie's production values are, of course, dated by modern standards, but that only adds to the charm and nostalgia of the film. The black and white cinematography lends itself to the comedic tone of the story, and the simple yet effective set design creates a perfect backdrop for the carnival shenanigans.

It's worth noting that, as with many films from this era, The Chimp contains some elements that are not politically correct by modern standards. There are a few scenes where the chimpanzee is dressed up in clothes and other props for laughs, which may be uncomfortable for some viewers. However, it's important to view the film in the context of its time and appreciate it for the timeless comedy it delivers.

In conclusion, The Chimp is a must-watch for fans of classic comedy and Laurel and Hardy enthusiasts. While it may not be as well-known as some of their other works, it's a gem of a film that showcases their comedic talents in full force. The partnership between Laurel and Hardy is at its peak here, and their chemistry is a delight to watch. The Chimp is a true testament to the power of physical comedy and the enduring legacy of two of Hollywood's greatest comedians.