Laurel and Hardy-fans are easily spoiled. Having made such masterpieces of mirthmaking like HELPMATES and WAY OUT WEST, it is easy to dismiss SWISS MISS as a rather minor work. Perhaps that is the case; but only, I think, when seen in relation to the very best of the Boys' output in the 1930s. Boss Hal Roach tended to have a different view on public taste than Stan Laurel; arguing that audiences preferred not to be fed with gags and slapstick for an entire hour on end, Roach reportedly ordered several of his comedies to include so-called subplots, romances involving other characters than the feature's main comedians. This was clearly a decision inspired by the output of comedians from larger studios; the Marx Brothers and W.C. Fields were also cast in such films, much to their frustration. Whether or not Roach's view was accurate for its time, these subplot-comedies have generally aged much less vigorously than features in which our favorite comedians are allowed to do their act throughout all the reels. In SWISS MISS, the subplot involves a handsome opera singer named Victor Albert (Walter Woolf King), whose desire to work in his hotel suite is constantly put to task by his annoying wife Anna (Grete Natzler). As Mr. Albert's profession suggests, we are treated with several musical numbers. While this subplot is not necessarily less interesting than other subplots from comedies of the same era, that really isn't saying much; one longs for Laurel and Hardy to turn up while they are absent. Stan Laurel is reported to have complained about the singing acts himself during production. The combination of comedy and operetta is less effective here than in, say, the earlier film THE DEVIL'S BROTHER.
However, while one may find the subplot rather unnecessary or even annoying at times, Laurel and Hardy themselves are no less delightful here than usual, when given screen time. Here, they try their luck (or defy their obvious lack of luck) in Switzerland selling rat traps; a simple plot with plenty of potential for comic invention, which is utilized in several hilarious sequences. There is the rather famous scene having the Boys doing a noble attempt to deliver a piano over a suspension bridge when a gorilla turns up; the projection-work may not be very convincing, even by 1938-standards, but this is hardly of much significance, as it is the performances of Stan and Ollie which grab our attention. Also particularly memorable is the part with Stan coaxing brandy from a St. Bernard; the similarity between Laurel and former silent comedy great Harry Langdon has hardly ever been more evident than here, especially as this scene is nearly a solo performance from Stan, omitting the presence of the dog. The bit with the "snow" had me howling with laughter. All in all, SWISS MISS is certainly worth the time of any Laurel and Hardy-fan, spoiled though we may be; but newcomers should check out certain other titles first.
However, while one may find the subplot rather unnecessary or even annoying at times, Laurel and Hardy themselves are no less delightful here than usual, when given screen time. Here, they try their luck (or defy their obvious lack of luck) in Switzerland selling rat traps; a simple plot with plenty of potential for comic invention, which is utilized in several hilarious sequences. There is the rather famous scene having the Boys doing a noble attempt to deliver a piano over a suspension bridge when a gorilla turns up; the projection-work may not be very convincing, even by 1938-standards, but this is hardly of much significance, as it is the performances of Stan and Ollie which grab our attention. Also particularly memorable is the part with Stan coaxing brandy from a St. Bernard; the similarity between Laurel and former silent comedy great Harry Langdon has hardly ever been more evident than here, especially as this scene is nearly a solo performance from Stan, omitting the presence of the dog. The bit with the "snow" had me howling with laughter. All in all, SWISS MISS is certainly worth the time of any Laurel and Hardy-fan, spoiled though we may be; but newcomers should check out certain other titles first.