Them Thar Hills (1934)

Introduction to "Them Thar Hills"
"Them Thar Hills" is a classic brief funny movie from 1934 including the renowned duo Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, known collectively as Laurel and Hardy. Produced by Hal Roach and directed by Charley Rogers, the film stays a cherished piece in the comedy duo's tradition, showcasing their comical timing and slapstick humor. It is commemorated for its originality and the smooth chemistry between the 2 stars.

Plot Overview
The film opens with Oliver Hardy experiencing gout, following his physician's advice to seek rest and relaxation in the countryside. Oliver, together with his ever-loyal buddy Stan Laurel, chooses to go on a mountain trip for the fresh air and tranquil environment, hoping it will help his recovery. The camaraderie and simpleness of their interactions set the tone for the movie as they get ready for their adventure.

To meet this prescription for health, they lease a camper trailer and head into the hills. Unbeknownst to them, the area they choose for their retreat was just recently the site of an unlawful moonshine operation. The bootleggers who operated there had been raided by the cops, who consequently disposed the moonshine into a close by well.

Upon arrival, Laurel and Hardy get settled in and soon discover the well's envigorating water. They innocently think the water's peculiarity is due to its mineral material, blissfully unaware of the alcoholic material as they consume it and use it to prepare their meals.

Comedic Escalades
As the duo becomes unwittingly inebriated, the comical circumstances intensify. Their slapstick antics include fishing misadventures and hilariously attempting to navigate life in the little camper.

The plot thickens when a couple, played by Mae Busch and Charlie Hall, on a joyride, experience car trouble and end up experiencing Laurel and Hardy. Observing their weird behavior, the other half quickly finds out the cause-- the 'kick' in the well water-- however decides to keep this awareness from the others.

The husband, nevertheless, is less observant. Unconcerned to the true nature of the well water, he ends up in a series of funny and confrontational exchanges with Hardy, culminating in an ever-escalating slapstick fight. The quarrel displays Laurel and Hardy's comedic expertise as they take part in their hallmark physical humor, which constantly remains playful rather than harmful.

As the circumstance spirals even more out of control, the movie provides gag after gag, stacking misconceptions upon the confusion of inebriation. Stan and Oliver exhibit best comic timing, responding to the absurdity of their scenarios with a combination of bewilderment and ignorant happiness.

Climax and Resolution
The climax gets here when the real source of the sloshed water is revealed, adding to the frenetic energy of the movie's last act. In the end, all the characters become affected by the well's contents, and the bumbling police shows up, adding another layer of mayo to the comical sandwich. Still none the smarter, Laurel and Hardy quote farewell to what they think were the 'friendly' hills and head home.

Legacy of "Them Thar Hills"
"Them Thar Hills" was so popular that it resulted in a follow up, "Tit for Tat", with Laurel and Hardy reprising their roles along with the very same supporting cast. The movie has sealed its location in cinematic history as a shining example of early 20th-century comedy.

The chemistry between Laurel and Hardy is palpable throughout the movie, and their capability to transform simple misconceptions into an art kind keeps audiences chuckling almost a century later on. Beyond its humor, the movie offers a peek into the Prohibition period and the societal standards of the time, packaged into an innocuously riotous narrative that continues to thrill audiences of all ages.

Top Cast