Great Guns (1941)

Great Guns Poster

Laurel and Hardy join the army. They are hardly soldiers, but they believe their employer, (Dick Nelson) will need them now he's drafted.

Introduction
"Great Guns" is an American funny film released in 1941 by 20th Century Fox. This film is directed by Monty Banks and includes the renowned comedic duo of Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. The plot focuses around the duo as they are drafted into the army during World War II however most especially, this film is necessary as it marks the first independent feature of Laurel and Hardy after leaving Hal Roach Studios.

Story
The chief protagonists, Laurel and Hardy, function remarkably in the film. They preserve their characteristic playfulness and witty humor throughout the film. They are revealed to be servants of an abundant hypochondriac, Dan Forrester (Dick Nelson), who is also prepared into the army. Dan Forrester is exceptionally fond of Laurel and Hardy's character and insists they join him in the army, so that they can continue to serve him.

Out of sheer loyalty, the comical duo agrees and launches a journey filled with entertaining mayhem and light-hearted gags, which primarily come from their inability to follow military protocols and discipline. The movie showcases the naive and nonchalant habits of the duo as they stumble through army life causing humorous mishaps and a great deal of amusement.

Main Conflicts and Resolution
The film's considerable issue arises when Dan falls for Ginger Hammond (Sheila Ryan), a stunning army nurse. However, Dan does not have the confidence to reveal his love for her. This situation provides a chance for Laurel and Hardy to prove their loyalty and friendship towards Dan by assisting him in winning Ginger's love.

Their extremely complicated and outlandishly prepared techniques to impress Ginger on behalf of Dan, often backfire, resulting in comedic scenarios. However, by the end of the movie, Dan successfully charms Ginger with the indirect help of Laurel and Hardy, eventually resolving the main dispute.

Cinematic Aspects and Performance
In terms of cinematography, "Great Guns" preserves the classic Laurel and Hardy environment. Its comedy tinged with innocence and simplicity is matched by the traditional black and white visuals, which were normal of that period. The movie's screenplay is driven by slapstick humor, farce, and the traditional essence of Laurel and Hardy's comical design.

Laurel and Hardy, as normal, steal the spotlight with their performance, which is filled with comic relief and their conventional, uncomplicated hilarity, and they bear an important function in keeping the audience amused throughout the proceedings.

Conclusion
In conclusion, "Great Guns" is a notable addition to the Laurel and Hardy filmography and an entertaining comedy in the context of World War II. Its special mix of humor, loyalty, and relationship struck home with the 1941 audiences and continues to resonate today with classic funny lovers. Although it didn't get critical acclamation, the movie holds a special location in the world of comedic cinema, chiefly due to the renowned Laurel and Hardy efficiencies that offer comic relief amidst a war background.

Top Cast

  • Stan Laurel (small)
    Stan Laurel
    Stan
  • Oliver Hardy (small)
    Oliver Hardy
    Oliver
  • Sheila Ryan (small)
    Sheila Ryan
    Ginger Hammond
  • Dick Nelson
    Dan Forrester
  • Edmund MacDonald (small)
    Edmund MacDonald
    Hippo
  • Charles Trowbridge (small)
    Charles Trowbridge
    Col. Ridley
  • Ludwig Stössel (small)
    Ludwig Stössel
    Dr. Schickel
  • Kane Richmond (small)
    Kane Richmond
    Capt. Baker
  • Mae Marsh (small)
    Mae Marsh
    Aunt Martha
  • Ethel Griffies (small)
    Ethel Griffies
    Aunt Agatha
  • Paul Harvey (small)
    Paul Harvey
    Gen. Taylor