Two Tars
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| Two Tars | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | James Parrott |
| Written by | Leo McCarey (story) H.M. Walker (titles) |
| Produced by | Hal Roach |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | George Stevens |
| Edited by | Richard C. Currier |
| Distributed by | Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer |
Release date |
|
Running time | 21 min. |
| Country | United States |
| Languages | Silent film English (Original intertitles) |
Two Tars is a silent short subject directed by James Parrott starring comedy duo Laurel and Hardy. It was released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer on November 3, 1928
Plot
[edit]During a shore leave, two sailors opt to rent an automobile, with Laurel assuming the role of driver. However, his lack of proficiency behind the wheel leads to a near collision with a pedestrian at a street corner. Subsequently, Hardy takes over driving duties but promptly crashes the vehicle into a lamppost, prompting him to retreat in embarrassment. Their misadventures continue as they encounter two young women struggling with a malfunctioning vending machine. Hardy's attempt to resolve the situation results in the machine's destruction, exacerbating the situation.
Their actions draw the ire of the store proprietor, leading to a chaotic encounter where Laurel and Hardy find themselves entangled in the escalating conflict. Despite their efforts to flee, they inadvertently become embroiled in a larger-scale altercation involving numerous motorists. This conflict quickly escalates into a chaotic exchange of vehicular damage and improvised weaponry.
The arrival of law enforcement is met with further chaos, as a steamroller inadvertently incapacitates the officer's motorcycle. Seizing the opportunity, Laurel and Hardy escape into a nearby railway tunnel, leaving behind a trail of vehicular wreckage.
Cast
[edit]- Stan Laurel - Stan
- Oliver Hardy - Ollie
- Edgar Kennedy - Motorist
- Thelma Hill - Brunette girl
- Ruby Blaine - Blonde girl
- Harry Bernard - Truck driver
- Chet Brandenburg - Motorist
- Baldwin Cooke - Motorist
- Edgar Dearing - Motorcycle policeman
- Frank Ellis - Motorist
- Helen Gilmore - Motorist
- Clara Guiol - Motorist
- Charlie Hall -Shopkeeper
- Jack Hill - Motorist with mattress
- Fred Holmes - Motorist
- Ham Kinsey
- Sam Lufkin
- Charles McMurphy
- Retta Palmer
- Lon Poff
- Thomas Benton Roberts
- Charley Rogers
- George Rowe
- Lyle Tayo
Production
[edit]One of the most elaborate silent comedy shorts, Two Tars was filmed as a three reel (30-minute) comedy originally called Two Tough Tars and edited down to 20 minutes. The opening scenes were shot on the 3800 block[1] of Main Street in Culver City, and the car battle scenes were filmed in Santa Monica along what is now Centinela Avenue.
Sons of the Desert
[edit]Chapters — called Tents — of The Sons of the Desert, the international Laurel and Hardy Appreciation Society, all take their names from L&H films. There are four Two Tars Tents in Solingen, Germany; Guernsey, Channel Islands; North Illinois/Wisconsin Border; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A fifth Two Tars Tent was established in Reidsville, North Carolina, but is no longer active.
References
[edit]- ^ Now, Chris Bungo Studios Filming Locations Then and. "Chris Bungo Studios Filming Locations Then and Now". Chris Bungo Studios Filming Locations Then and Now. Retrieved October 21, 2024.
External links
[edit]- Two Tars at IMDb
- Two Tars is available for free viewing and download at the Internet Archive
- Two Tars at AllMovie
- Two Tars at the TCM Movie Database
- Two Tars at Rotten Tomatoes