Music, Romance, and Hilarious Comedy

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7278, 4 October 1933, Page 5

Music, Romance, and Hilarious Comedy

LAUREL AND HARDY IN “FRA DIAVOLO” ABE COMING Laurel and Hardy, conceded to he the most popular team comedians on the screen, make their latest appearance in a featurelength comedy in “Fra Diavolo,’’ a story of a pair of rollicking bandits, brased on the famous comic opera. The picture is the most ambitious yet undertaken by the noted comedians of “Pardon TJs,’’ and “Pack Up Your Troubles,” its cast including such outstanding names as Dennis King, the noted singer and stage star, and Thelma Todd, who has contributed to the humour of a long list of screen productions.

Also involved in the hilarious incidents of the latest Laurel and Hardy film are James Finlayson, Lucille Brown, Arthur Pierson, Henry Armctta Matt McHugh, and Lane Chandler. The story of the two friends who turn bandits iu retaliation for being robbed of their life savings just when they meant to retire is permeated with humour from its very opening reel to finish. For instance, Hardy is captured by a bandit gang and is senteneced to man’s assignment. Laurel and Hardy flirt with a couple of milkmaids. Laurel waves a red handkerchief. A bull gets the waving invitation and charges. By mistake, Laurel takes a drink con taining a sleeping powder, and presently falls asleep on his feet. Since it is necessary for him to keep awake in order to perform the function of man-servant to Diavolo, the bandit chief. Hardy has a hard time saving him from being killed.

During a seemingly dull moment, Laurel becomes restless. He begins fumbling with his hands. He originates what is called the “kneesy, earsy nosey” game and soon the entiro house hold, including tno soldiers, are fumbling all over themselves in order to master the simple process of minging knees, ears and nose together.