Review of Men O'War

"Men O'War" is an American 20-minute live action short from 1929, so this one will have its 90th anniversary next year and this is one of those Laurel/Hardy films that marks their successful transition from silent into sound film, something only very few silent film greats succeeded with. And for a sound film from 1929, it looks pretty good indeed I must say and that is also almost the only reason why I give this one a thumbs-up and a positive recommendation. The soda scene was kinda fun too, not just because of the two protagonists, but also thanks to the bar keeper taking Stan's part here of looking confused (and even a bit angry perhaps) right at us in the camera. The boat action at the very end is all noise and chaos, but not really funny and the opening scenes are not too memorable either. But still, for its time, it was a bit on the groundbreaking side, even if the great deal of mediocrity results in this not being among the very best Stan&Ollie works. The duo play sailors here looking for girlfriends, maybe the future wives that bully them so hard in other works. The cast and crew include names that worked with Laurel and Hardy on other occasions too including director Lewis R. Foster about a decade before his Oscar win. Overall a close call, but as I can see how they are exploring new territories here and the film is ahead of its time, I give it a thumbs-up. Worth checking out if you have seen and enjoyed other stuff starring these two likable fellas.