The Lucky Dog *** (1921, Oliver Hardy, Stan Laurel, Florence Gilbert) – Classic Movie Review 10,041

Writer-director Jess Robbins’s 1921 silent black and white short film The Lucky Dog makes screen history as the first film with Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, though not as a comedy duo, but appearing in scenes together and just playing independently.

It is shot as two reels and runs 24 minutes but some versions end abruptly after the first reel where Stan is robbed by Ollie and they run 17 minutes.

A young-looking, physically fit Laurel is the star and he plays Young Man, a hapless hero thrown out onto the street by his landlady for not paying his rent, and then befriended by a stray dog. Laurel then literally bumps into a gruff robber bandit (Hardy) who is holding someone up at gunpoint for their cash.

Interestingly enough, Laurel smoothly holds the screen as a solo star. His slapstick comedy is impeccable – and funny! The film itself is amusing and charming, a pleasure to watch for Laurel and Hardy fans.

Filming took place late 1920 and early 1921. The budget is $3,000.

The Lucky Dog is directed by Jess Robbins, made by Sun-Lite Pictures, is written by Jess Robbins, is shot in black and white by Irving G Ries, is produced by Broncho Billy Anderson, and is released on 1 December 1921 by Reelcraft Pictures [Metro Pictures].

Also in the cast are Florence Gilbert [Florence Ella Gleistein] as poodle owner Girl, Edward Jefferson as Butler and Jack Lloyd as Boyfriend.

Edward Jefferson (the Butler) is Stan Laurel’s brother. He died from a heart attack after having laughing gas from a dentist for a tooth extraction, aged 32. Laurel’s real name is Arthur Stanley Jefferson.

Laurel and Hardy’s next two-reeler is 45 Minutes from Hollywood (1926), though they share no scenes.

© Derek Winnert 2020 Classic Movie Review 10,041

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