The film builds nicely through the first 15 minutes, and then peters out with that unconvincing back-projection method for the street scene. I have to wonder how Mr. Laurel allowed that. It must have killed him to see that in the editing room.
The climactic gag involving the traction line is their very best from the sound era. (The best gag sequence from the silent era was the parade of mangled cars in Two Tars). The gag sequence following later, with the pants, was the perfect follow-on. Very funny, but not so much as to wear you out like the previous gag.
This really is a must-see.
When I show this to my friends, I warn them about the weak ending sequence, and then they relax and embrace the rest of it gladly.
The climactic gag involving the traction line is their very best from the sound era. (The best gag sequence from the silent era was the parade of mangled cars in Two Tars). The gag sequence following later, with the pants, was the perfect follow-on. Very funny, but not so much as to wear you out like the previous gag.
This really is a must-see.
When I show this to my friends, I warn them about the weak ending sequence, and then they relax and embrace the rest of it gladly.