Habeas Corpus (1928)

Tonight, it was proven – comedy never dies. Nearly 81 years ago a comedy duo by the name of Laurel and Hardy broke through the sound barrier (quite literally) to bring humor, a dazzling array of both slapstick and intelligent, to the masses. Could today’s audiences still laugh at what simple jokes these two men brought to the screen? With a group of friends we put that theory to the ground, and surprisingly our level of entertainment combined with humor was not disappointed. After aging gracefully over eight decades, Laurel and Hardy continue to combine random, interesting scenarios with engaging, well-planned humor. Add to this the fact that “Habeas Corpus” was their first sound film; i.e. sound effects not speaking – yet continued to make our audience laugh hysterically. Their ability to take small gestures, and expand them into laugh-out-loud situations, using merely their facial expressions and their body language would put some modern comedians to shame. Yet, their style didn’t seem dated. In one scene in “Habeas Corpus”, our duo watches as a man puts his ashes from his cigarette into his pocket. Each time he does this, the camera pans to Laurel and Hardy, as they make these exclusive expressions of confusion. Through just their eyes, they are able to convey this level of humor which had our virgin Laurel and Hardy group in stitches.

For 20 minutes, this short film kept us entertained. The level of the humor, the fact that what they were doing seemed original for the time made us question what modern comedians are doing today. Laurel and Hardy are still present in today’s group of comedians. See John Candy or Chris Farley within Hardy, or even Rowan Atkinson’s work influenced from Laurel. These guys were at the top of their game in the late 20s and beyond, and what makes this impressive is that they have not fallen from their trade. “Habeas Corpus” is a prime example of this. Their first sound film, it pits the two as guys who need to dig up a body for a scientist for money. As they attempt to get the body, everything imaginable occurs. The body is second nature to actually getting to the grave site. Everything they do, from jumping up poles, to continually trying to get over a troublesome wall, to fighting Laurel’s fears of turtles. Everything will make you laugh out loud, like it was 1928.

FILM: After 80+ years this film still stands on its two feet. These two were the Kings of Comedy for the time, and after watching this – one could question if they truly were ever dethroned.

VISUAL: This was a VHS transfer. It seemed cleaner in the filmed parts than the word-cards that came up, which were at times unaligned. Albeit a VHS, it still looked good for the age.

SOUND: Rumor has it that the actual sound for this film ultimately lost via the studio many many years ago, but whatever they chose to put on this VHS worked. Sure, it didn’t quite sound authentic (not sure the “boing” noise when they were trying to jump over the wall was time-sensitive), but I could hear the music behind and it set the tone for each scene.

EXTRAS: Film, and nothing but the film – so help me VHS.

Overall, I loved this short. This reviewer could have watched another hour and half of Laurel and Hardy’s shenanigans with this mad scientist, but twenty minutes was perfect. It left you wanting more and a strong desire to have multiple repeat viewings. It ended on such a high note that the laughter filled the room with a group of friends. This was a delight – a pure joy to experience. A modern day “Tom and Jerry” for a more intelligent and mature audience.

Found in my "Halliwells" book, this was an impressive film. I don't think I have been this excited about a movie for a long time. I am glad to offer this film in my VHS collection, and cannot wait to show others the sheer force of what this comedy duo can do. It is no question, it is getting a green mark with blue stars. I will watch this again - with Jen, with my neices, and with everyone who cares about cinema.