A CHUMP AT OXFORD (Released to Theaters USA 1939)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì  A Chump at Oxford—not funny—does not have a quality portrayal for its storyline.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  Oliver Hardy and Stan Laurel are tired of working as street sweepers, decide to go  college, and the story is on.  Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director Alfred J. Goulding for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Hal Roach and Hal Roach Jr. for making the film possible. Cast includes Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy, Wilfred Lucas, Forrester Harvey, Peter Cushing, and Charlie Hall.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Maybe. This film fills-in-some-time. It is what it is: not bad but not good either. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers

BLOCK-HEADS (Released to Theaters USA 1938)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 4.0|5.0 Starsìììì  Block-Heads—57-minute short film—serves up a little better entertainment fare than many Laurel and Hardy comedies. This movie is funny, original, and well written.  Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images Storyline  A man continues to patrol an assigned area long after the war is over. When he returns to America, an old friend extends hospitality to him. Additional Thanks  Thank you to Director John G. Blystone for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Hal Roach and Hal Roach Jr. for making the film possible. Cast includes Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy, Patricia Ellis,  Minna Gombell, Billy Gilbert, and James Finlayson.  Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?  Yes. This is a good film, tells a good story, and is very well written. Video Critique Available Here: Ben Meyers