From Mess to Mirth With Oliver & Hardy
Birthday tribute to Stan Laurel, born today in 1890
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the legendary English comic actor, writer, and film director, Stan Laurel, best known for the comedy duo Laurel & Hardy.
Their long career gave us 107 short films, feature films, cameo roles, and recordings. Stan began in music hall, developing his devices with bowler hat, comic gravity, and nonsensical understatement. He rose through the ranks of pantomime and as Charlie Chaplin’s understudy in Fred Karno’s Army (a British vaudeville troupe). Charlie and Stan went to Hollywood together and from there entered history. Laurel & Hardy became a successful team in 1927, and they remain cultural icons—oft-imitated, oft-quoted, and still drawing audiences today. Even their catch-phrases are imbedded in our culture. Here’s a song I wrote based on the L&H bromide, “Well here’s another fine mess you’ve gottten me into…” HB Stanley, and thank you for the countless hours of joy you’ve given to the world.
#LaurelandHardy #StanLaurel #classiccomedy #slapstick #musicalcomedy #silentfilms #comedyteam #birthday #unresolved #anotherfinemess #johnnyjblair #singersongwriter #singeratlarge