This film marked the end of shorts, and the end of a fine tuning technique. Most of the features that followed, at least at the Roach Studios, would remake many of their gags from old shorts and in truth Way Out West, Blockheads, and A Chump At Oxford remain their best efforts after 1935. It's as if they reached their peak between 1933-early 35 and digressed.
"Thicker than Water" begins with classic Laurel & Hardy innocence. Each scene builds upon the next beautifully. I especially enjoy the transitions of each scene. Either Stan or Ollie will "pull" or "push" the new scene into place. Pretty good effects for the 30s.
The initial argument about money to accidentally buying a clock at an auction builds beautifully, but the last 5 minutes seem awkward. In a heated argument with his wife, Ollie is hit on the head, passes out, and Stan screams and takes his pal to the hospital. A bit much for a bump on the head. Then they need a transfusion (which doesn't make any sense whatsoever), and so Stan gives his blood. Something goes wrong and Stan becomes Ollie & Ollie becomes Stan.
One almost wonders what Stan, the writers, and director were thinking. Maybe because Hal Roach hated trick endings and this was their last short, Stan could justify a trick ending because Roach either wouldn't care and leave him alone (yet this type of thinking led to the end of their relationship in 1940).
All in all, though, it is a very fine short. Not one of their best or funniest, but a great film to watch.
"Thicker than Water" begins with classic Laurel & Hardy innocence. Each scene builds upon the next beautifully. I especially enjoy the transitions of each scene. Either Stan or Ollie will "pull" or "push" the new scene into place. Pretty good effects for the 30s.
The initial argument about money to accidentally buying a clock at an auction builds beautifully, but the last 5 minutes seem awkward. In a heated argument with his wife, Ollie is hit on the head, passes out, and Stan screams and takes his pal to the hospital. A bit much for a bump on the head. Then they need a transfusion (which doesn't make any sense whatsoever), and so Stan gives his blood. Something goes wrong and Stan becomes Ollie & Ollie becomes Stan.
One almost wonders what Stan, the writers, and director were thinking. Maybe because Hal Roach hated trick endings and this was their last short, Stan could justify a trick ending because Roach either wouldn't care and leave him alone (yet this type of thinking led to the end of their relationship in 1940).
All in all, though, it is a very fine short. Not one of their best or funniest, but a great film to watch.