LAUREL AND HARDY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 3, 5 January 1939, Page 3

LAUREL AND HARDY

COMEDIANS LN “BLOCKHEADS" FUN AT THE MAJESTIC One of the liveliest and funniest bits of film entertainment, “Blockheads,” new Hal Roacn-M.G.M production starring the everpopular Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, commences to-morrow at the Majestic Theatre. In this new comedy the comedians revert to their former formula—an abundance of new gags, laminar mannerisms, and ludicrous situations. Their side-splitting antics are no,, deterred by spectacular backgrounds er musical interludes. They have fret scope for the kind of humour their fans expect. Stan is a front-page newspaper celebrity in "Blockheads,'' not through his own initiative but through one of the funniest introductions that the screen has reflected. Although lie tells Hardy that he is not so dumb as he used to be, fortunately his actions belie his words. Hardy is the successful business man, taking vast pride in his swank apartment ano 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 is a surprise finish. The supporting cast, small but of stellar calibre, plays well into the hands of Laurel and Hardy. Patricia Ellis exhibits an unsuspected flair for corned;-. As the wife of the big-game hunter, living across the hall from the Hardy's apartment, she flits in and out of the picture with grace and charm. Minna Gombell, cast as Hardy's shrewish wife, exacts every bit of humour from the role.