Wrong Again (1929)

Wrong Again Poster

Stable hands Stan and Ollie are tending a thoroughbred named "Blue Boy." But when they overhear two men talking about a $5000 reward for the return of the stolen "Blue Boy," they miss the part about it being the painting, not the horse. They take the horse to the owner's house to claim the reward. The owner instructs them to put "Blue Boy" on the piano and Ollie explains, "these millionaires are peculiar."

Intro to "Wrong Again"
"Wrong Again" is a silent brief comedy movie released in 1929. Directed by Leo McCarey and starring the renowned duo Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, this movie is an ultimate example of early 20th-century slapstick funny. In spite of being made over 90 years earlier, "Wrong Again" continues to entertain audiences with its timeless humor and the long-lasting appeal of Laurel and Hardy's comedy.

Plot Overview
The movie revolves around the shenanigans of Laurel and Hardy, who play stable hands. The plot is set in movement when they overhear a report about a stolen painting, "Blue Boy", and the significant reward for its go back to the millionaire owner. By a remarkable coincidence, the duo has access to a horse named "Blue Boy" at the steady where they work. Incorrectly believing that the benefit is for the return of the horse instead of the painting, Laurel and Hardy embark on a mission to reunite "Blue Boy" with the anxious millionaire, causing a series of comical misconceptions and accidents.

Comedic Set Pieces and Slapstick Humour
As is particular of Laurel and Hardy movies, "Wrong Again" is filled with a myriad of physical funny and slapstick humor. The whole facility functions as a vehicle for these situations, as the 2 unlucky characters try to maneuver the horse into the millionaire's home. Notable scenes include the surreal image of the horse set down atop the grand piano, as well as the many attempts by Laurel and Hardy to rectify their mistakes, only to intensify the chaos. Each scene is carefully crafted with a crescendo of gags that showcase the actors' flawless timing and proficiency over physical funny.

Character Dynamics and Performance
The vibrant between Laurel and Hardy remains one of the most renowned aspects of their films. In "Wrong Again", Laurel plays the well-meaning but bumbling sidekick to Hardy's fearless but equally inexperienced leader. Their on-screen chemistry and polarized personalities create a comedic tension that is joyously played out through their interactions and oversights. Their performances are accentuated by overstated expressions and gestures, a hallmark of the quiet movie age that greatly depended on visual storytelling.

Technical Aspects and Filmmaking Techniques
"Wrong Again" features several technical elements noteworthy for its time. The innovative and resourceful usage of intertitles interacted discussion and story points successfully in the lack of sound. The movie's pacing is vigorous, keeping audiences' interest throughout. Moreover, director Leo McCarey handles to wring every possible gag out of the scenario, using everything from well-timed cuts to physical set design to enhance the humor.

Cultural Impact and Legacy
"Wrong Again" stands as testimony to the enduring tradition of Laurel and Hardy. Their impact on comic filmmaking is indisputable, and their style has inspired numerous comics and filmmakers. The motion picture is also a valuable piece of movie theater history, illustrating the patterns and designs of slapstick comedy in the late 1920s.

In conclusion, "Wrong Again" records Laurel and Hardy's comical prowess and stays a classic example of quiet period humor. While it might be a product of its time, its capability to elicit laughter nearly a century later on is a testament to its classic quality and the universal language of comedy that resonates across generations. This film is a precious reminder of the roots of cinematic humor and the talents of 2 of its biggest specialists.

Top Cast

  • Stan Laurel (small)
    Stan Laurel
    Stan
  • Oliver Hardy (small)
    Oliver Hardy
    Ollie
  • Harry Bernard (small)
    Harry Bernard
    Policeman
  • Josephine Crowell (small)
    Josephine Crowell
    Painting owner's mother
  • William Gillespie
    Horse owner
  • Charlie Hall (small)
    Charlie Hall
    Neighbor
  • Dell Henderson (small)
    Dell Henderson
    Painting owner
  • Jack Hill
    Man on buckboard
  • Fred Holmes
    Stableboy
  • Fred Kelsey (small)
    Fred Kelsey
  • Sam Lufkin
    Sullivan