Producer Hal Roach Talks About Working With Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy

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Producer Hal Roach Talks About Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy ...mehr
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There is one thing that’s always bothered me about how some have critiqued Laurel and Hardy – especially Hardy. Yes, all the praise that Laurel has received is merited a million times over. But the complaint that Laurel did all the work while Hardy just sat around waiting for his cues is unmerited. Yes, Stan constructed the gags and was the de facto director for the films, but you still needed somebody to help execute those gags. All you really have to do is look at “Lucky Dog,” a film that was not an intent to team the two comics. But, as one YouTuber commented, the film was not all that funny “until Hardy shows up.” Oliver never interfered with Stan in his work behind the scenes, but once he stepped out in front of the camera, he became “a performing genius.” Think of all the catch phrases associated with the team, especially “Here’s another fine mess you gotten me into!” It’s memorable because of how Hardy says it! Too many times I’ve heard that Stan could have gotten anybody to appear in Hardy’s place and make the films as funny as they are. People need to remember that the men were a team, and each one, in his own role, did something special to make us remember them over 90 years later! Ironically, the most important person that realized this was Stan Laurel himself. Note that once the teaming took place, Stan never appeared in a film without Oliver.
39
The world of comedy owes a huge debt to Hal Roach. But you see in this video signs of the tension between Roach and Laurel in the mid-late 1930s. The market for their short films had dried up, and their feature films were much more expensive. Hal Roach did not allow Stan the same creative control over the feature films that he had in the shorts. This is hinted at in the comment about Stan not being good at plot development. However, during that period, Stan gained control of two films, Our Relations (an excellent movie) and Way Out West (an all time classic), and these were actually listed as "Stan Laurel Productions". So I think Stan knew what he was doing. To be fair to Hal Roach, Stan didn't appreciate how good he had it at the time. Looking for more artistic freedom, Stan and Ollie split with Roach and signed with Fox, but there they were treated as simple B-movie actors, and they hated it. Nothing they did at Fox came even close to the quality of their work at the Hal Roach Studios.
64
Rip oh, and thank you how Roach. Without you we may never have seen or known of Laurel and Hardy. One of the funniest pair of comedians in the world and still watch today
2
Thanks Hal for giving us Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy.
29
The genius of Stan and Ollie is, they didn't need a plot. Just put them on screen being chased by cops or their wives, whatever. The comedy is there as soon as they appear.
43
It's always wonderful to actually see and hear one of the greats of all time.
5
It's only when you watch the classic comedies that you realise just how dire modern comedy is.
16
It's nice that he said that they never argued on or off set , the fact that after work they had different interests possibly made their friendship stronger !
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The after hrs socializing is sometimes disputed. In one biography I read, the author also wrote that basically the two never socialized much after work. In another one, the author stated that they actually did do more socializing than what has been written about them.
8
I grew up loving Laurel and Hardy and Our Gang - Both of them were Hal Roach creations. Imagine my surprise when I heard that Hal Roach said the best heir to their legacy was Benny Hill - another favorite of mine.
12
Hal Roach was a tough nut. There were ongoing issues between him and the Boys during their contract with him. I believe him to be a shrewd businessman but able see talent and potential. Hals studio did much for establishing classic comedy, but everything was strictly on his terms. Most notable to me was his criticism of Stan and Ollie making feature films. At this time, shorts were seen to be a past format, with the big studios wanting feature films. Hal believed the feature film would not suit the style of performance that suited Stan and Ollie. As with other Leading comedy pairs, the move into feature films, stifled the spontaneity and flow of the comedy duo with the introduction of musical numbers, romantic sidelines, other co-stars and sub-plots. Hal was right.
1
Comedy came natural to these two they still make people laugh the ones that like simple living
1
Roach by name roach by nature. He was ruthless and had them on separate contracts so when Stan’s ended he refused to release Ollie from his and broke up the partners for several years. It broke Stan’s heart, although he kept writing, he never performed on his own during that period.
6
Hal Roach: "I think that I would most like to be remembered for the laughter that I gave the people of the world." Your wish has been granted with flying colors, Mr. Roach!
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My all time favorite comedians, Laurel & Hardy! 👍
1
He outlived everyone and he was sharper than a tack.
11
This interview originally played on TV Ontario's SATURDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES many, many years ago.  It's late great host Elwy Yost is the voice that can be heard conducting the interview.  Great memories!   CHEERS! BS.  Thank you very much for sharing this!
9
Hal was the unsung hero in Laurel & Hardy
1
Remembered for the laughter. What a great way to be remembered.
4
Stan Laurel, Lou Costello, and Moe Howard were the driving force behind the scenes on screen they played the bumbling fool
4