By Mark Rhoads-
As a lifelong Laurel and Hardy fan, I looked forward to seeing the new biopic movie Stan & Ollie starring perfectly cast Steve Coogan as Stan Laurel and John C. Reilly as Oliver Hardy.
I was not disappointed when I saw the film last Tuesday night this week. Of course, I realize that this comedy pair performed their art during a more innocent time in the America of the 1920s to the 1940s. But the contrast with the vulgar so-called "comedy" offerings of Hollywood today is so dramatic that one cannot help but long for that more innocent time.
At their peak popular period, the films of Laurel and Hardy were translated into dozens of languages and held almost universal appeal in all parts of the world.
The focus of this film is on their last live concert tour of the United Kingdom in 1953 when Mr. Hardy's health was fragile but they still could draw large audiences in London and other venues. In spite of creative and business disagreements during their last year as a pair, the film reveals a fundamental respect and friendship that is still an inspiration.
I wish the young comedians of our time who rely on vulgar shock jokes to get a nervous laugh reaction could only learn from this classic example that the best humor is universal and clean.
