Reviews

Excellent plot line. And a welcome relief from the writer's habit of having us deal with multiple plots in the same episode. (Some episodes feature problems with Sherlock's father, Joan wants a baby, Joan has a one-night stand, Marcus has a new job, etc. And then, in the next episode, all these subplots are gone as if they never existed.)

In any case, this episode was refreshing and enjoyable. With the exception of a not-too exhausting diversion into a discussion of and solution to Marcus's trials and tribulations, there was a good mystery, with Joan's input being decisive in the solution. I love this show and hope that the writers can settle down, and that CBS will realize that they have a gem on their hands and stop fiddling with broadcast days and renew this unique, enjoyable show featuring a great cast.

The cast is excellent - and the show is worth watching.

The problem is with the writing. It varies from excellent to trashy.

When the writers concentrate on the ins and outs of a trial, or a legal problem, or the aspects of representing a client, the show is exciting and absorbing.

Unfortunately, the writers seem to run out of ideas, and rely on getting into the pants of its protagonists. Ick.

It is embarrassing to watch great actors doing their best, but squirming nevertheless with having to "reveal" aspects of their sexual histories.

Another thing that is cringy is that the writers obviously are causing the actors to improvise dialogue in certain scenes. It is not a reflection on the actors that one cringes when they are doing this -- it is the situation with which they are being presented by the writers that causes them to squirm somewhat while doing their best with a crappy scenario.

I think this film has some amazing acting. As others have noted, Laurel plays himself and also his own sister. Hardy does the same. But - the women characters they portray are different to the male Laurel and Hardy. The women characters are not Laurel and Hardy "in drag". They really are playing 4 different people.

The dubbing of the women's voices is perfect, in my opinion. The women who dubbed the voices really capture the feeling of Laurel and Hardy. They are great. The syncronicity of the dubbing is awesome.

I also think the photography - scenes when the four characters are having dinner together - is great. They really create the illusion of four separate people talking and bickering.

I don't want to risk spoiling anything for anyone and so I will not describe any of the truly funny scenes featuring each of these characters.

Suffice it to say that the film is very funny.

Jack Barty is hilarious and performs one of the best pantomime scenes I have ever seen.

Stan, Ollie and Mae Busch all join in to create an incredible pantomime dinner party.

Stan and Ollie are with perfect partners in this film.

The interaction between all the characters is perfect. Barty's speaking voice is also hysterical. It has a bit of English sound, mixed with a deep rasp. His enunciation is sublime.

Sublety abounds. "Madame" (Mae Busch) is perfect as she slides in and out of a sort of schizo-dementia.

You will be glad to see this masterwork and to have in your collection when you need a lift. What great great actors.