"BLOCKHEADS"

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 28 January 1939, Page 3

" BLOCKHEADS "

LAUREL AND HARDY IN 90 MINUTES OF HILARITY

One of the liveliest and funniest bits of film entertainment of the .current season is registered in "BlockHeads,” new Hal Roach-M-G-M production starring the ever popular Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. In this new comedy the comedians revert to their former formula—an abundance of new gags, familiar mannerisms, devastating situations and a dizzy tempo. Their side-splitting antics are not deterred by spectacular backgrounds of musical interludes. They have free scope for the kind of humour their fans expect and Laurel and Hardy reciprocate with the best mirthquake they have had in many months. Stan is a front page newspaper celebrity in “Block-Heads,” not through his own initiative but through one of the funniest introductions that the screen, has reflected. Although he tells Hardy that he is not so dumb as he used to be, fortunately for the comedians’ legion of fans his actions belie his words.

Hardy is the successful business man taking vast pride in his swank apartment and in the housekeeping capabilities of his wife.' The introduction of Stan, although he is momentarily the nation’s hero,, into these surroundings ; precipitates a merry-go-round that; spins dizzily until the final fade-out which, incidentally, is a surprise finish, i The supporting cast, small but o stellar calibre, plays zestfully into th« hands of Laurel and Hardy. Patrick Ellis exhibits an unsuspected flair foi comedy. As the wife of the big gam< hunter, living across the hall from th< Hardy’s apartment, she flits in and ou of the picture with grace and charm Minna Gombell, cast as Hardy’: shrewish wife, exacts every bit o humour from the role. Also scoring are Billy Gilbert and James Finlayson. i John G. Blystone, who seems s> thoroughly to understand the Laure and Hardy type of humour, directe< with his usual discernment.