http://www.lordheath.com/index.php?p=1_169_Angora-Lovehttp://www.laurelandhardycentral.com/angora.htmlhttp://www.imdb.com/title/tt0019640/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LXyLv7YcLzQWatch ANGORA LOVE in the link above
This would be the final Laurel and Hardy silent film. Though shot in early 1929, it was not released until December of the same year and after several talkies were released. This marks a very late release date for a silent film in general. I have to admit I don't have too much to say on this one, as it feels like a perfectly acceptable Laurel and Hardy film, but nothing major gag, story, or character wise that makes it stand out. These are the types of films to me that rank an 8 from comedians I love.
Still, there are some things worth mentioning. As the title suggests, a goat follows the boys around wherever they go, to the point where it follows them into their apartment. The simple way to the goat's affection is to feed her a doughnut, you'll then win a friend for life. Like in WRONG AGAIN, there's only so much slapstick you can do with an animal, though they get more out of the goat here then they do with the horse in the former film. The crane shot where the goat is following the boys on the street is always good for a laugh with me, and there are also scenes where Stan and Ollie genuinely wrestle the animal briefly in a bucket made bath tub. I'd like to think the goat wasn't in too much discomfort, but there is some real physicality involved, unlike that horse. No eleven time hat knocking off here, at least. Oh, and the ending gag I won't give away, but it is cute. I can't say the goat is an all time great comic partner, but it makes a pleasant novelty one time.
Edgar Kennedy is a lot of fun as the landlord who Stan and Ollie need to hide the goat from. My favorite throwaway gag in the film is a pre code ditty involving Edgar claiming his hotel is a respectable establishment. After he says this, an attractive woman can be seen walking behind him, with a sailor following just seconds later! Again, that part is always good for a laugh. The water bucket fight is physically the type of thing done better in several other films, but then again, it's good enough here. Anytime a reciprocal retaliation scene involves Stan, Ollie, Edgar, and Charlie Hall, you have to reach at least some level of enjoyable quality, as they do here. Last thing I'd like to say is the scene where Ollie massages Stan's foot thinking it's his own has to go down as one of the most bizzare Laurel and Hardy moments. Overall, another fine short, just not a stand out.
Well, this ends the silent era. Next week, and for a while, Stan and Ollie prove to the world that when they open their mouths, sound comes out. There are still plenty of films left, I think 63 or 64 by my count, and I will be reviewing Laurel and Hardy films until the first few films of the Besser era. For the record, HOLLYWOOD PARTY, which I have never seen in its entirety, will be bought by me soon and reviewed when it's turn comes up. Even though Stan and Ollie have 10 - 15 minutes of footage in this hour film, they are top billed. However, the clincher is other scenes have some guys named Healy, Howard, Fine, and Howard in it as well, so for this site, that makes the film a no brainier to review. It's been a lot of fun reviewing these silents and really studying and enjoying these films as a group. Even better seeing Paul Pain becoming a fan, but next week start the talkies, and I am pumped for this!
8/10
