Legends that they were, not all of Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy's pictures were equal, but it's generally hard to go wrong with anything they were involved in. Somewhat recalling contemporaries like The Three Stooges, Harold Lloyd, or Buster Keaton, the duo could be relied upon for a steady stream of gags, physical comedy, situational humor, witty repartee, and above all the terrific dynamics between them - if perhaps often a lighter, gentler variety thereof. With all this in mind, 1943's 'Air raid wardens' is a Laurel and Hardy flick that's harder to come by, and as we press "play" we can perhaps start to fathom why, for in a runtime of only a little over one hour it can't claim the strongest start. The racist language of World War II was understandable, but still inappropriate, and it comes off even worse eighty years later as it is employed repeatedly. Over the top animation to greet us in the opening minutes is as decidedly gauche as the accompanied boot-licking of the military. Even if we set all this aside the feature kicks off with a relatively flat tone, lacking the same level of energy as many of the icons' other works. None of this is to say that the film isn't funny, because that couldn't be further from the truth, but it does take a fair bit to start to pick up.
Thankfully, from about the one-quarter mark onward, the movie starts to carry itself with more of the sparkling vitality we know and love. The stunts and effects are simply a joy, and after a modest warm-up the playful combativeness between Laurel and Hardy leaps to life alongside the irreverent silliness. There are still some bits that unfortunately lag, but by and large 'Air raid wardens' does elicit hearty laughter once it gets going. Moreover, while the prominent pair and their antics naturally carry the preponderance of the length by themselves, the supporting cast is just as terrific, with Edgar Kennedy especially standing out as an unwitting victim of Stan and Ollie's well-meaning but ill-prepared activities. All along the way the least that can be said is that the title is as well made as any like-minded fare, including smart cinematography, fine sets and props, and so on. The troubles in this case come down to faults in the writing and direction - deficiencies or conflicts in tone and energy, particularly as and where plot is emphasized over shenanigans. Punching Nazis either literally or proverbially is always admirable and to be encouraged, but when it comes to a comedic slice of cinema, difficulties may well arise if the story is ever allowed to overtake the ridiculousness, and I believe that's what happens here.
Be that as it may, the fact remains that 'Air raid wardens' is much stronger and more enjoyable than not, which certainly speaks very well to the skill and intelligence of all involved. It's regrettable that the end result is uneven, but when all is said and done this is still another classic Laurel and Hardy picture; though not one of their very best, it's better than some of their others. Compared to the likes of 'Saps at sea,' 'Swiss miss,' or 'Pack up your troubles' I don't think this flick is one that wholly demands viewership, but whether you're a fan of the stars (most people, surely), of giving fascists what-for (all good people, definitely), or just looking for something fun to watch, overall it's still worth checking out. Don't go out of your way for it, but if you do have the chance to watch then I'm pleased to give this a fair recommendation.
Thankfully, from about the one-quarter mark onward, the movie starts to carry itself with more of the sparkling vitality we know and love. The stunts and effects are simply a joy, and after a modest warm-up the playful combativeness between Laurel and Hardy leaps to life alongside the irreverent silliness. There are still some bits that unfortunately lag, but by and large 'Air raid wardens' does elicit hearty laughter once it gets going. Moreover, while the prominent pair and their antics naturally carry the preponderance of the length by themselves, the supporting cast is just as terrific, with Edgar Kennedy especially standing out as an unwitting victim of Stan and Ollie's well-meaning but ill-prepared activities. All along the way the least that can be said is that the title is as well made as any like-minded fare, including smart cinematography, fine sets and props, and so on. The troubles in this case come down to faults in the writing and direction - deficiencies or conflicts in tone and energy, particularly as and where plot is emphasized over shenanigans. Punching Nazis either literally or proverbially is always admirable and to be encouraged, but when it comes to a comedic slice of cinema, difficulties may well arise if the story is ever allowed to overtake the ridiculousness, and I believe that's what happens here.
Be that as it may, the fact remains that 'Air raid wardens' is much stronger and more enjoyable than not, which certainly speaks very well to the skill and intelligence of all involved. It's regrettable that the end result is uneven, but when all is said and done this is still another classic Laurel and Hardy picture; though not one of their very best, it's better than some of their others. Compared to the likes of 'Saps at sea,' 'Swiss miss,' or 'Pack up your troubles' I don't think this flick is one that wholly demands viewership, but whether you're a fan of the stars (most people, surely), of giving fascists what-for (all good people, definitely), or just looking for something fun to watch, overall it's still worth checking out. Don't go out of your way for it, but if you do have the chance to watch then I'm pleased to give this a fair recommendation.