The modus operandi of the iconic comedy duo is well established. Like contemporaries such as Harold Lloyd, Buster Keaton, or The Three Stooges, their films are flush with gags, physical comedy, situational humor, and witty dialogue. Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy's own particular brand perhaps tends to be of a lighter variety, eliciting fewer hearty laughs, but in the very least they can be relied upon to keep us smiling with consistent entertainment. 'The bullfighters,' I think, counts among the latter sort, for while it boasts no few moments that are wonderfully funny, overall it's best described in softer terms like "amusing." Regardless, one can speak of it in any manner one wishes, and the basic fact remains that this is a really good time from beginning to end, and holds up well even decades later.
All those stunts and effects that are employed look terrific, not least at the climax that attains an extra degree of bombast. Between writer Scott Darling, director Malcolm St. Clair, and accordingly, further contributions from Laurel himself in both capacities, the picture stays fairly light on its feet and high in spirit to keep the proceedings aloft. Of course much of that can be attributed to the stars themselves, whose chemistry as partners is timeless, and whose cleverness and energy are all but infectious. The same can surely be said of their co-stars, too, who so ably embrace the silliness; at one point or another Richard Lane, Ralph Sanford, and Carol Andrews all especially stand out in that regard. That's hardly to count anyone else out, though, as from one to the next everyone here is splendid.
'The bullfighters' definitely benefits as well from all the resources at the disposal of 20th Century Fox, so we're treated to lovely, detailed sets, costume design, hair, and makeup on top of all else. Really, it's mostly pretty hard to go wrong with Laurel and Hardy; not all their movies are necessarily equal, but far more than not they are strongly enjoyable. I don't think this one title stands as tall as some of their others, but it's not because of any specific fault or shortcoming, only that it has a high standard to live up to and as a matter of personal preference it's less robust. Be that as it may, good comedy never grows old, and anyone who appreciates what the pair have to offer will like this just as well. Even if it's not their absolute best, 'The bullfighters' is still a worthy classic from a couple of legends, and is a fine way to spend a quick hour if one has the chance.
All those stunts and effects that are employed look terrific, not least at the climax that attains an extra degree of bombast. Between writer Scott Darling, director Malcolm St. Clair, and accordingly, further contributions from Laurel himself in both capacities, the picture stays fairly light on its feet and high in spirit to keep the proceedings aloft. Of course much of that can be attributed to the stars themselves, whose chemistry as partners is timeless, and whose cleverness and energy are all but infectious. The same can surely be said of their co-stars, too, who so ably embrace the silliness; at one point or another Richard Lane, Ralph Sanford, and Carol Andrews all especially stand out in that regard. That's hardly to count anyone else out, though, as from one to the next everyone here is splendid.
'The bullfighters' definitely benefits as well from all the resources at the disposal of 20th Century Fox, so we're treated to lovely, detailed sets, costume design, hair, and makeup on top of all else. Really, it's mostly pretty hard to go wrong with Laurel and Hardy; not all their movies are necessarily equal, but far more than not they are strongly enjoyable. I don't think this one title stands as tall as some of their others, but it's not because of any specific fault or shortcoming, only that it has a high standard to live up to and as a matter of personal preference it's less robust. Be that as it may, good comedy never grows old, and anyone who appreciates what the pair have to offer will like this just as well. Even if it's not their absolute best, 'The bullfighters' is still a worthy classic from a couple of legends, and is a fine way to spend a quick hour if one has the chance.