http://www.laurelandhardycentral.com/toadhole.htmlhttp://www.lordheath.com/menu1_171.html Laurel and Hardy have an interesting filmography in that they have their share of experimental shorts mixed in with their basic formula slapstick stuff. Sometimes the experimental stuff works, sometimes it doesn't. As far as the basic slapstick stuff, it almost always works. TOWED IN A HOLE is a basic slapstick film sandwiched between two experimental films. Unlike the two experimental films, TOWED IN A HOLE is an all-time classic, one of the funniest films the boys would ever make.
There are a lot of slapstick films out there, but what makes TOWED IN A HOLE so great is the characters, timing and editing. Later in the short, Stan's head gets caught in the bottom of the pole that's the foundation of the ship's mast. Ollie is up high on the mast painting the thing, and Stan has to saw the pole to get his head out, causing the mast to fall along with Ollie. We know well before it happens Ollie is going to take a huge fall, there's zero element of surprise. The pleasure is the editing and the build up. Stan trying to muscle his way out with no luck after previously playing with a saw. Stan using the saw. A shot of Ollie hearing the sawing noises, looking at the camera as if he kind of knows what's going to happen, yet he continues painting anyway. It's all about the build up, making the fall that much sweeter.
I love the reciprocal retaliation scene, a Stan and Ollie standard done wonderfully here. I love them trying to make up only to get into an argument over who started this mess like children. I love Ollie getting black paint all over his face due to Stan's carelessness and the way the camera goes back and forth between Ollie and Stan running around the boat with only his guilty eyes peeking out. Again, wonderfully timed stuff. I love the fact that Stan decides the best way to spend his time is to take soap and a hard brush while cleaning the chain and anchor! I just love this short.
Take a simple idea like selling fresh fish, cutting out the middle man and getting a boat leading to slapstick is good enough for a masterpiece. Moe, Larry, Curly, Vernon and Rebel are nowhere to be found, and as much as I enjoy their presence, Stan and Ollie are perfect. A true classic.