I’ve always liked this one too. I think that the issue people have with this one is that, as it goes along, Laurel and Hardy kind of get lost in the crowd as more and more people contribute to making the puzzle and it does feel at this point that the idea could have been done just as well by any other comedians. The first half, though, does allow Laurel and Hardy to show off their talents mainly through pantomime. Hardy’s expressions while listening to the radio broadcast are great and I also find it hilarious that Hardy always seems to pick up the puzzle piece that Laurel happens to need at that very moment, so Hardy can’t even contribute to the puzzle.
Even if it’s not a great showcase for Laurel and Hardy’s talents, the second half is still pretty good. I love the fact that it’s the police officer who freaks out the most about the missing puzzle piece, treating it as though it were a robbery, and James C. Morton gives some great line deliveries in his role, particularly with the line, “I don’t care if he’s Mr. Dil Pickle!” Roach had a great stock company of supporting actors and it is nice to see them get their own spotlight for once. I do think the ending with Hardy’s stock is a bit too cruel, especially considering how sudden the plot device is, but as a whole the short is pretty solid. It’s got a unique plot and is pretty consistent in terms of the laughs it provides. I agree that this short is underrated.
9 out of 10
