Blotto
"They're at it again!"
Plot
Set during the height of Prohibition, Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy concoct a scheme to spend a wild night out at the Rainbow Club. Stan fakes receiving an urgent business telegram to appease his domineering wife, while simultaneously planning to steal a bottle of liquor she has been hoarding. Unbeknownst to the duo, Mrs. Laurel overhears their entire conversation on a telephone extension and replaces the alcohol with a foul-tasting concoction of cold tea, mustard, and spices. At the club, the pair becomes hilariously 'blotto' on what they believe is potent booze, leading to a legendary laughing fit. The evening reaches a literal explosive climax when Mrs. Laurel arrives with a shotgun to reveal their drink was non-alcoholic and chases them into the street.
About the Production
The film was originally released as a three-reel short, but the version most commonly seen today is the 1937 two-reel reissue. This reissue removed approximately one reel of material to comply with stricter Hays Office censorship codes and added a background music score that was absent in the 1930 original. The title 'Blotto' is a British slang term for being extremely intoxicated, which was still in common use in the 1930s. Notably, this is one of the few films where Stan is the one who is married while Ollie is a bachelor. The production also filmed full-length foreign language versions (Spanish and French) simultaneously, featuring different supporting actresses for the role of the wife.
Historical Background
Released in 1930, 'Blotto' is a quintessential 'Pre-Code' comedy, reflecting the social climate of the Prohibition era in America. The plot centers entirely on the illegal consumption of alcohol and the domestic power struggle common in early 20th-century comedy. It was produced during the 'Talkie' revolution, where studios were still experimenting with how to use sound effectively in comedy. The film's depiction of a wife with a shotgun and the protagonists' desperate attempts to circumvent the law (Prohibition) were themes that resonated deeply with audiences of the Great Depression era who viewed such defiance with a mix of humor and relatability.
Why This Film Matters
'Blotto' is considered one of the definitive Laurel and Hardy shorts because it perfectly encapsulates their 'child-men' personas—innocent yet deceptive, and ultimately failing in their pursuit of simple pleasures. The 'laughing fit' scene has been analyzed by film historians as a masterclass in infectious comedy, demonstrating how the duo could sustain a single gag for minutes through pure performance. It also stands as a record of the 'Multi-Language Version' era of Hollywood, a brief window where films were shot in multiple languages before dubbing became the industry standard.
Making Of
The production of 'Blotto' was part of Hal Roach's ambitious effort to produce foreign-language versions of Laurel and Hardy shorts to maintain their international popularity during the transition to sound. Because dubbing technology was primitive, the actors had to perform the scenes multiple times in different languages, often reading their lines from phonetic cue cards hidden off-camera. This resulted in the foreign versions often being longer and containing different gags. The nightclub set was one of the more elaborate sets built at the Roach studio at the time, designed to accommodate the large-scale 'Rainbow Club' sequences. Director James Parrott, a frequent collaborator, encouraged the duo to improvise, leading to the extended laughing sequence that was largely unscripted in its duration.
Visual Style
The cinematography by George Stevens is functional but effective, utilizing the static camera setups typical of early sound films to ensure clear audio recording. However, Stevens manages to inject some visual flair during the nightclub sequences, using lighting to create the atmosphere of a bustling 1930s 'speakeasy.' The use of close-ups during the laughing scene is particularly effective in capturing the nuanced facial expressions of Stan and Ollie.
Innovations
The film is a notable example of the 'Multi-Language Version' (MLV) production technique. It also features early examples of sound synchronization for comedic effect, such as the timing of the shotgun blast and the destruction of the taxi cab at the end of the film.
Music
The original 1930 release featured only the 'Dance of the Cuckoos' theme by Marvin Hatley. The 1937 reissue added a full orchestral score featuring compositions by Leroy Shield, which became the 'standard' sound for Laurel and Hardy films. The Rainbow Club scene features a baritone singer (Frank Holiday) performing a melancholic song that ironically moves Stan to tears.
Famous Quotes
Stan: 'She's so dumb she'll never know the difference.'
Ollie: 'I've got a table reserved at the Rainbow Club... it's opening tonight.'
Mrs. Laurel: 'So, you're having a good time, are you?'
Ollie: 'We're just having a little business celebration, my dear!'
Memorable Scenes
- The 'Laughing Fit' at the Rainbow Club where Stan and Ollie become hysterically convinced they are drunk on tea.
- The opening scene where Stan tries to hide his phone conversation from his wife using a series of transparent lies.
- The final sequence where Mrs. Laurel destroys the boys' getaway taxi with a single shotgun blast.
- The scene where Stan is moved to tears by a sad singer while 'intoxicated'.
Did You Know?
- This film features the first instance of Laurel and Hardy's famous 'hysterical laughing' routine, which became a staple of their comedy.
- The original 1930 version contained no background music except for the opening and closing themes; the music heard in modern prints was added for the 1937 reissue.
- George Stevens, who later became a legendary Oscar-winning director (A Place in the Sun, Giant), served as the cinematographer.
- The Spanish version, titled 'La Vida Nocturna,' features a much longer sequence of an exotic dancer at the Rainbow Club.
- Anita Garvin, who played Mrs. Laurel, stated in interviews that the laughing scene was one of the greatest comedy sequences ever filmed.
- The 1937 reissue cut a scene where Stan uses an electric fan to get 'fresh air' because the original negative was damaged.
- The film was a primary inspiration for the 'The Honeymooners' episode where Ralph and Norton think they are getting drunk on grape juice.
- In the Spanish version, Linda Loredo plays the wife, while Georgette Rhodes plays her in the French version.
What Critics Said
At the time of its release, 'Blotto' was hailed as another triumph for the duo, with critics praising their seamless transition into sound films. Modern critics frequently cite it as one of their top ten shorts, particularly noting the chemistry between Stan and Anita Garvin. While some modern viewers find the laughing sequence slightly overlong, it is generally regarded as a highlight of their early sound period. The film currently holds high ratings on databases like IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes among classic film enthusiasts.
What Audiences Thought
Audiences in 1930 responded enthusiastically to the film's relatable 'henpecked husband' theme and the slapstick climax. The film was a significant hit for Hal Roach and MGM, further cementing Laurel and Hardy as the premier comedy team of the early sound era. Today, it remains a favorite at 'Sons of the Desert' (the international Laurel and Hardy appreciation society) meetings, often screened for its high energy and iconic ending.
Film Connections
Influenced By
- Vaudeville sketches
- Early silent slapstick
- Leo McCarey's situational comedy
This Film Influenced
- The Honeymooners (TV Series)
- The 13th Letter (1951)
- Various sitcom 'drunk' tropes
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Film Restoration
The original 1930 three-reel version is considered partially lost or 'non-extant' in its complete form. The version most commonly available is the 1937 censored reissue. However, the Spanish version 'La Vida Nocturna' has been preserved and provides a glimpse into the missing scenes from the English original.