Runtime: 69 minutes-heh heh
Directed by: A. Edward Sutherland
Starring: Laurel & Hardy, Jean Parker, Reginald Gardiner, Charles Middleton
From: RKO
It’s been awhile (a little over a year) since viewing any Laurel & Hardy; as this is one of their most popular efforts on Letterboxd-at least in terms of views-that’s why this was selected even if there are Laurel & Hardy pictures that have higher ratings on this site.
The duo are in Paris; Hardy is in love w/ the daughter of an innkeeper. In fact, he has a ring to propose marriage-lamentably for him, this Georgette already is married. Hardy decides to take his own life; no worries, that isn’t in bad taste as you might fear. When that scene is awfully reminiscent of that millionaire attempting to commit suicide by jumping into a river… the scenario is funny if a little morbid. A member of the French Foreign Legion convinces them to join his service; of course, that gig isn’t as carefree as they naively assumed.
Perhaps I enjoy The Flying Deuces more than some-personally, laughter was frequent. From Laurel constantly banging his head against the angled roof of their room to the constant witty repartee of the duo, the hilarity of their feud w/ their commandant Charles Middleton (i.e. Ming from the Flash Gordon serials) & the finale which reveals why the title is The Flying Deuces… I had a lot of fun.
Yes, there are two random musical numbers-the latter is comedic in nature but the former is a serious song and dance bit which was odd yet at least was presented decently-and only afterwards did I discover this was a partial remake of 1931’s 4-reeler Beau Hunks, starring the duo w/ Middleton also portraying their commandant. Comedies of this flavor typically resonate rather well; if I was smart, Laurel & Hardy would become more regular in my rotation. There’s plenty that sounds interesting, including the latter days of their career.
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