Tag: film

1. Ulverston, Lancashire*, England
2. Arthur Stanley Jefferson

[*Ulverston was in Lancashire at the time of his birth but is now in Cumbria]

Stan Laurel, born Arthur Stanley Jefferson, was a pivotal figure in comedy, renowned for his performance and partnership with Oliver Hardy in over 100 films, including shorts, features and cameos. Laurel’s journey into entertainment began in the music hall, where he honed his comedic skills by developing iconic devices such as the bowler hat and nonsensical understatement, all while understudying for Charlie Chaplin in Fred Karno’s London Comedians. His film career kicked off in 1917, with his final appearance in 1951. Laurel and Hardy first collaborated on The Lucky Dog in 1921 and officially became a team by 1927, maintaining their partnership until Hardy’s death in 1957. Their humorous style was famously described by Laurel as

two minds without a single thought.

Their 1932 short, The Music Box under Hal Roach’s production, earned them an Academy Award, further solidifying their status as the greatest comedy duo in film history. Laurel, originally a music hall comedian, found success in comedy shorts before transitioning into a director and gag writer role, often headlining most of their productions at Roach Studios. Meanwhile, Norvell Hardy, who later adopted the name Oliver, entered show business after managing a cinema, eventually appearing in over 200 short films before his collaboration with Laurel.

The duo’s partnership flourished with Roach’s All-Stars, where their chemistry was recognized, leading to their official team-up in 1927. Their comedic formula revolved around two brainless friends, with Laurel as the guileless troublemaker and Hardy as the meticulous man thwarted by misplaced faith in his partner. Their sound films showcased their genius: Laurel’s British accent and Hardy’s Southern tones added depth to their characters, and Laurel’s inventive use of audio gags became a hallmark of their work.

While Laurel was known for his head-scratching, whimpering cries, and blank stares, Hardy was characterized by his flowery speech, explosive double takes, and sympathetic looks to the camera. As the duo ventured into feature films driven by economic necessity, they gifted us with a string of classics, beginning with Pardon Us in 1931 and continuing through 1940 with thirteen more remarkable films, including the highly acclaimed Sons of the Desert (1933), often regarded as their finest feature-length work. This period solidified their legacy in the annals of film history.

Fittingly, their best-known catchphrase provided the final line of their final film Atoll K (1951)—also known as Robinson Crusoeland (UK) and Utopia (US)—with Ollie telling Stan,,,

Well, here’s another nice mess you’ve gotten me into!

…as Stan whimpers in response.

On 23 February 1965 comedian Stan Laurel, of Laurel and Hardy fame, died in California.

1. Where was Stan Laurel born?
   • Unity, Saskatchewan, Canada
   • Ulverston, Lancashire, England
   • Uxbridge, Massachusetts, US
2. What was Laurel’s birth name?
   • Arthur Stanley Jefferson
   • Bernard David Adams
   • Charles Kenneth Washington

The answers will be posted later today.

C. Jasper

Puss Gets the Boot is a 1940 American animated short film, the first in the Tom and Jerry series. It is based on the Aesop’s Fable, The Cat and the Mice. It was released to cinemas by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer on 10 February 1940.

Jasper, a cat, torments a mouse, leading to a series of misadventures.  The mouse outwits Jasper, framing him for breaking a flowerpot and later dishes, resulting in Jasper being kicked out of the house.  The mouse celebrates his victory, enjoying the spoils of his triumph.

Puss Gets the Boot (10 February 1940) marked the debut of the Tom and Jerry series. In this initial instalment, the mouse remains unnamed, while the feline antagonist is given a name. What is the name of the cat?

A. Jacob
B. Jason
C. Jasper

The answer will be posted later