Jitterbugs (1943)

Jitterbugs Poster

The two-man Laurel and Hardy Zoot Suit Band find themselves fronting a scam for "gasolene pills" in wartime oil-short America. They are however soon on the side of the angels helping recover $10,000 for an attractive young lady whose family have themselves been swindled.

Plot Summary
"Jitterbugs" is a 1943 comical musical film, part of the Laurel and Hardy series. The movie features Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy as two well-meaning but unlucky artists who fall under a series of comic experiences. Their characters, known as "The Two Man Quartet", travel throughout the country in a broken-down cars and truck, staging impromptu performances utilizing a range of musical instruments.

While on the relocation, Laurel and Hardy encounter a shrewd con artist called Chester Wright who fools them into peddling a phony wonder item: a pill that apparently turns water into fuel. Wanting to quickly earn money, Laurel and Hardy cluelessly help Chester sell this fake item to unwary people at a reasonable. They discover themselves in hot water when the regional sheriff investigates their operation.

Characters and Performance
Stan Laurel plays the dim-witted and naïve Stanley, while Oliver Hardy plays the a little smarter however equally as bumbling Oliver. Their comedic pairing stays a highlight of the film, with their chemistry and perfect comedic timing playing off each other very well throughout the film.

Meanwhile, Bob Bailey makes a notable performance as the slick Chester, playing the part with sufficient beauty and audacity to make him an engaging antagonist. Vivian Blaine as Chester's accomplice and singer, Susan Cowley, injects some love and suspense into the story.

Music and Dance Sequences
"Jitterbugs" is not only a comedy, however also a lively musical. The movie showcases a number of memorable songs, including "Dance with a Dolly" and "Spaghetti, Spaghetti". These musical sequences are often coupled with energetic and entertaining dance numbers. The most notable of these is the 'jitterbug' dance sequence, where Laurel and Hardy, disguised as a number of southern artists, perform a zany rendition of southern jive that leaves the crowd and viewers in divides.

Funny Elements
The movie blends slapstick humor with situational comedy. In their effort to offer the miracle tablet, Laurel and Hardy's mistaken identities, verbal misunderstandings, and physical accidents develop a series of laugh-out-loud minutes. One memorable scene includes Laurel inadvertently showing the hollowness of their wonder product to the crowd throughout their pitch. Nevertheless, their beauty and likability keep the audience rooting for them throughout their misadventures.

Final Act and Resolution
The climax of the movie turns suspenseful when Chester tries to scam money from the grand dame of the fair, and Susan gets second thoughts about the plot. Ultimately, Laurel and Hardy, regardless of their usual clumsiness, discover the scam and decide to set things right.

The movie ends on a high note with Laurel and Hardy redeeming themselves as they foil Chester's strategies and restore the stolen cash. In their characteristic style, nevertheless, they handle to land themselves in another pickle as the movie ends, setting the phase for additional escapades, and offering a profoundly pleasurable closure to their shenanigans.

General Impact
"Jitterbugs" stands as a cherished classic in the Laurel and Hardy film franchise, functioning as a testimony to the duo's comic genius. The creative blend of comedy, music, and some drama strikes a chord with audiences even today, making it a film that continues to captivate audiences across generations.

Top Cast

  • Stan Laurel (small)
    Stan Laurel
    Stan
  • Oliver Hardy (small)
    Oliver Hardy
    Ollie
  • Vivian Blaine (small)
    Vivian Blaine
    Susan Cowan
  • Robert Bailey (small)
    Robert Bailey
    Chester Wright (as Bob Bailey)
  • Douglas Fowley (small)
    Douglas Fowley
    Malcolm Bennett
  • Noel Madison (small)
    Noel Madison
    Tony Queen
  • Lee Patrick (small)
    Lee Patrick
    Dorcas
  • Robert Emmett Keane (small)
    Robert Emmett Keane
    Henry Corcoran