Do Detectives Think?

Plot

In this silent comedy short, Judge Horace Bullwinkle finds himself in grave danger after sentencing the notorious criminal known as 'The Tipton Slasher' to prison. When the vengeful convict escapes from custody and vows to kill the judge, two hopelessly incompetent private detectives played by Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy are hired to provide protection. The detectives' bumbling attempts to guard the judge's mansion lead to a series of disastrous and hilarious mishaps, including mistaken identities, failed security measures, and chaotic confrontations. As the escaped convict repeatedly attempts to infiltrate the house, Laurel and Hardy's ineptitude nearly gets the judge killed multiple times, though through sheer luck they ultimately manage to save the day. The film culminates in a frantic showdown where the detectives accidentally capture the criminal while trying to escape themselves.

Historical Background

1927 was a watershed year in cinema history, representing both the peak of silent comedy and the dawn of the sound era. The film industry was transitioning from the wild early years to the more structured studio system, with major studios like Hal Roach establishing themselves as specialists in particular genres. Comedy shorts were a crucial part of theater programming, often serving as appetizers before feature films. The economic boom of the Roaring Twenties meant more people could afford movie tickets, and comedy was universally popular. This film was released just as 'The Jazz Singer' was premiering, signaling the beginning of the end for silent films. The rapid production schedules and high output of films like this reflected both the public's insatiable appetite for entertainment and the highly efficient studio system that had evolved to meet this demand. The film also emerged during the golden age of American comedy, when performers like Chaplin, Keaton, Lloyd, and the emerging Laurel and Hardy were perfecting their craft.

Making Of

The production of 'Do Detectives Think?' took place during a remarkably creative period at Hal Roach Studios, where the comedy factory was churning out shorts at an incredible pace. Director Fred Guiol, who had a keen eye for comedic timing, worked closely with Laurel and Hardy to develop their on-screen personas. The physical comedy sequences were carefully choreographed, with Stan Laurel often contributing ideas for gags based on his music hall background. Oliver Hardy, with his background in silent film acting, helped refine the visual storytelling. The film's production was typical of the era - fast, efficient, and focused on delivering maximum laughs in minimal time. The cast and crew worked long hours to complete the film in just a few days, a schedule that would be unheard of in later years. The mansion set was dressed specifically for this production but was designed to be easily adaptable for future films, demonstrating the studio's economical approach to production.

Visual Style

The cinematography by George Stevens (who would later become a renowned director) employs the straightforward but effective visual style typical of Hal Roach comedies. Wide shots are used extensively to capture the physical comedy and allow audiences to see the full scope of the gags, particularly in the mansion sequences where multiple characters interact. Medium shots focus on character reactions and expressions, crucial in silent comedy for conveying emotion and humor. The lighting is bright and even, ensuring clear visibility of the action, a practical necessity for comedy films of this era. The camera work is functional rather than artistic, prioritizing clarity and timing over visual experimentation. The film makes effective use of the mansion set's various spaces - stairs, doors, and rooms - to create comedic situations through spatial relationships and movement patterns that would become hallmarks of Laurel and Hardy's visual style.

Innovations

While 'Do Detectives Think?' doesn't feature groundbreaking technical innovations, it demonstrates the high level of craftsmanship achieved in Hollywood comedy production by 1927. The film showcases sophisticated gag construction and timing, with physical comedy sequences that require precise coordination between performers, camera, and set elements. The use of the mansion set for multiple comedic situations demonstrates efficient production design and spatial planning. The film's editing, while conventional for its time, effectively paces the gags and maintains comedic momentum throughout its 20-minute runtime. The intertitles by H.M. Walker represent the refined art of silent film writing, conveying necessary information and humor with minimal text. The film also demonstrates the technical proficiency of Hal Roach Studios in producing high-quality comedy shorts on tight schedules and budgets, a capability that made the studio one of the most successful comedy producers of the silent era.

Music

As a silent film, 'Do Detectives Think?' had no original soundtrack or recorded music. During its theatrical run, it would have been accompanied by live music, typically a theater organist or small orchestra who would select appropriate pieces to match the on-screen action. The accompaniment would have included popular songs of the era, classical pieces, and specially composed mood music. Modern releases and restorations of the film feature newly recorded musical scores, often composed by silent film specialists who create period-appropriate accompaniment using authentic instrumentation and styles. These modern scores typically include jaunty ragtime pieces for comedic moments, suspenseful music for the threat sequences, and romantic themes when appropriate. The absence of dialogue places greater emphasis on the musical accompaniment to set tone and enhance the visual comedy, a challenge that modern composers approach with respect for both the film's era and contemporary audience expectations.

Memorable Scenes

• The opening sequence where Laurel and Hardy receive their detective assignments, showcasing their immediate incompetence as they struggle to understand their basic duties.
• The scene where the detectives attempt to secure the mansion by boarding up windows, only to trap themselves inside with the escaped convict.
• The classic staircase sequence where multiple characters chase each other up and down the stairs, creating escalating chaos and physical comedy.
• The climactic confrontation where Laurel and Hardy accidentally capture the escaped convict while trying to escape themselves, demonstrating their signature 'success through failure' formula.
• The disguise sequence where the detectives attempt to go undercover, resulting in ridiculous costumes that make them more conspicuous rather than less.

What Critics Said

Contemporary critical reception for comedy shorts was typically limited to brief mentions in trade publications, with 'Do Detectives Think?' receiving modest but positive notices for its effective gags and the growing appeal of the Laurel and Hardy pairing. The Motion Picture News noted that 'the comedy team of Laurel and Hardy continues to develop their screen personalities with amusing results.' Modern critics and film historians view the film as an important stepping stone in the team's evolution, with Leonard Maltin noting it as 'a fine example of early Laurel and Hardy, showing the development of their classic style.' The film is often cited in retrospectives of silent comedy as representative of the high quality of Hal Roach productions and the rapid development of comedy teams during this period. While not considered among their greatest works, it's recognized as a solid, entertaining short that successfully showcases the duo's emerging chemistry and comedic talents.

What Audiences Thought

Contemporary audiences responded positively to 'Do Detectives Think?' as part of theater programs, with Laurel and Hardy's growing popularity evident in the increasing demand for films featuring the duo. Moviegoers of the silent era appreciated the film's straightforward humor, physical comedy, and the relatable theme of incompetent professionals trying (and failing) to do their jobs. The film's release during the peak of silent comedy attendance meant it reached a wide audience, contributing to the team's rising stardom. Modern audiences encountering the film through revivals, film festivals, and home media continue to find entertainment in its timeless humor and the charm of Laurel and Hardy's early work. The film's accessibility as a silent comedy with universal visual gags has helped it maintain appeal across generations and cultures, demonstrating the enduring power of well-crafted physical comedy.

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