Laurel and Hardy
Laurel and Hardy. The most successful comic team in history Appeared in over 80 films together Both began careers in Burlesque and Vaudeville Both were talented pantomime actors- they began their film careers working in silent films
Laurel and Hardy
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Presentation Transcript
Laurel and Hardy • The most successful comic team in history • Appeared in over 80 films together • Both began careers in Burlesque and Vaudeville • Both were talented pantomime actors- they began their film careers working in silent films • Both were obsessive about rehearsing and getting “things right”. • Comedy style is called “slapstick” an ancient form of highly physical comedy.
Oliver Hardy 1892-1957 • 6’2” 300+ lbs • Former Athlete as well as attorney • Greatly influenced by Southern Minstrel shows • Highly and broadly physical and exaggerated in reactions and facial expressions
Stan Laurel 1890-1965 • 5’9” 165 lbs • English Music Hall performer (English vaudeville) who came to America with Charlie Chaplin • Also highly physical with a “rubbery” face
“The Music Box” - 1932 • Won the Oscar for best short film • Concerns “the boys” trying to move a piano box up a flight of stairs. • Alluded to in countless other comedies • Watch for “Famous myth adapted for a different setting”
Things to watch for • DRAMATIC ACTION: provided by the script • objective • motivation • obstacle (actually many!) • tactics (tons!)
Acting Techniques • Telling the best possible story that serves the script. • They perfected all of this story-telling technique in burlesque and vaudeville! • Give and Take • Mirror • MOE (tons, tons, tons) • Moving at different speeds • Being a triple threat (actually they don’t sing in the film, but they DANCE!) • Proper pantomime technique