Berth Marks (1929)

Berth Marks Poster

The story involves Stan and Ollie as two musicians attempting to travel by train to Pottsville. It was only their second sound film, but a silent version was also made for cinemas at the time that were not equipped to show talkies.

Film Overview
"Berth Marks" is a silent brief film released in 1929 developed and produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM). It includes the comic duo, Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, popularly known as Laurel and Hardy, engaging in funny banter and slapstick funny. The primary plot revolves around the pursuit of the duo to catch a train and the repercussions that follow, including encounters with misadventures inside a cramped sleeper cars and truck. The duo's attempt to eliminate their clothes without disrupting the other guests produces amusing situations.

Plot Development
The film opens with the iconic Laurel and Hardy preparing for their vaudeville act in their small shared boarding home space. They are anticipated to catch a train for Pottsville, where a performance is scheduled. In the middle of the chaotic packing as time goes out, they make a crazy rush to the train station. Upon their arrival, they discover that they have erroneously brought a dachshund from their boarding house.

The plot takes an entertaining turn once they are on the train. The duo is not able to locate their sleeper cars and truck at first, and when they do, they are faced with the difficulty of an exceptionally small sleeper vehicle that they must share. The confined area is even more complicated by the existence of the unforeseen canine stowaway. Their struggles intensify when they try to undress for bed without making themselves understood to their fellow guests. The outcome is cleverly executed physical comedy that engages the audience with gales of laughter.

Conclusion and Final Conflict
The finale of 'Berth Marks' involves the entire train getting woken up by the sound of Laurel's trombone, which is mistaken for a train signal. The scene descends into mayhem as all the guests think that there is an approaching train crash. The outcry just gets enhanced when Laurel and Hardy's pet appears from under the bed, therefore triggering other passengers to think there is a wild animal on the loose. By the end of the film, Laurel and Hardy reach Pottsville, but their sleep-deprived, distressed state makes the audience concern whether they will be able to carry out at all.

Design and Execution of Comedy
"Berth Marks" is filled with many slapstick funny minutes, gags, and Laurel and Hardy's renowned brand name of humor. It is a classic example of their capability to create funny utilizing simple circumstances. The little act of getting undressed in the train develops into an intricate and entertaining regimen. Despite its simplicity, the storyline is made more entertaining with its injected surprises and comical strategies. The interplay and the contrasting personalities of the characters of Laurel and Hardy contribute to the appealing comedy. Laurel's naïve simplicity and Hardy's severe demeanor produce a delightful dynamism.

Overall, "Berth Marks" provides an important take a look at early American movie theater and the funny category specifically. It's a testament to the comedic genius of Laurel and Hardy, showcasing their knowledge in creating comedic situations from daily scenarios. The film is a landmark in quiet movies and acts as a reminder of the abundant comedy heritage of Hollywood.

Top Cast

  • Stan Laurel (small)
    Stan Laurel
    Stan
  • Oliver Hardy (small)
    Oliver Hardy
    Ollie
  • Paulette Goddard (small)
    Paulette Goddard
    Train Passenger (uncredited)
  • Charlie Hall (small)
    Charlie Hall
    Train Passenger (uncredited)
  • Baldwin Cooke (small)
    Baldwin Cooke
  • Sammy Brooks
  • Harry Bernard (small)
    Harry Bernard
  • Pat Harmon
  • S.D. Wilcox (small)
    S.D. Wilcox