‘Stan & Ollie’ review: A heartwarming biopic about one of the greatest comedy duos of all time
Between 1927 and 1950 Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy (Laurel and Hardy) were one of the most famous and successful comedy duos in Hollywood. While the younger generation might not be familiar with their work, hopefully John S. Baird’s new biopic ‘Stan & Ollie’ will open their eyes to two of the best performers of all time. Starring Steve Coogan as Stan Laurel and John C. Reilly as Oliver Hardy, ‘Stan & Ollie’ tells the story of the comedy duo’s final tour.
The film begins in 1937 at the Hal Roach Studios, a time when Laurel and Hardy were the hottest comedy duo in Hollywood. However, amidst their success, Stan decides to hardball the studio head to either renegotiate their contract or to possibly sign with another studio. Ollie, the more laidback of the two, is hesitant to rock the boat and essentially plays Stan for a fool by staying at the studio for a solo career when he had promised the latter, he would leave with him.