Flying Elephants

Plot

In this prehistoric comedy, two cavemen played by Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy find themselves rivals for the affections of the beautiful Agnes, portrayed by Dorothy Coburn. Set in the Stone Age, the film follows the duo's increasingly elaborate and disastrous attempts to win her favor, with each trying to outdo the other through various primitive schemes and physical comedy. The title's reference to 'flying elephants' comes into play through surreal dream sequences and imaginative visual gags that were typical of the era's fantasy comedies. As their competition escalates, both men face numerous mishaps and humiliations, ultimately learning that their rivalry may not be worth the trouble. The film culminates in a series of slapstick sequences that showcase the early chemistry between Laurel and Hardy before they became the iconic comedy duo known worldwide.

Historical Background

1928 was a pivotal year in cinema history, representing the final months of the silent film era before the complete transition to sound. The Jazz Singer had already revolutionized the industry in 1927, and studios were scrambling to adapt their production methods. Hal Roach Studios, known for its comedy shorts, was particularly affected by this transition as comedy relied heavily on visual timing and physical humor that sound could potentially disrupt. 'Flying Elephants' was produced during this uncertain period, when studios were still perfecting silent comedy techniques while simultaneously experimenting with sound. The late 1920s also saw the peak of the 'caveman comedy' genre, with audiences fascinated by prehistoric settings that allowed for exaggerated physical comedy and satirical commentary on modern life through primitive characters. The film's release coincided with the growing popularity of comedy teams, with studios recognizing the commercial potential of established character pairings. This context makes 'Flying Elephants' particularly significant as it represents both the end of an era in silent comedy and the beginning of Laurel and Hardy's ascent as one of cinema's most beloved comedy duos.

Making Of

The production of 'Flying Elephants' took place during a fascinating transitional period in Hollywood history. While Laurel and Hardy had appeared together in previous films, 1928 marked the year when Hal Roach officially decided to make them a permanent comedy team. This film was essentially a test of their on-screen chemistry in a leading capacity. The prehistoric setting allowed for creative freedom in physical comedy, with the actors able to incorporate exaggerated movements and reactions that might seem out of place in contemporary settings. The filming required extensive preparation of cave sets and primitive props, with the art department creating detailed stone-age environments. The most challenging sequence involved the titular flying elephants, which required innovative use of miniatures, wires, and early matte photography techniques. Director Frank Butler, who primarily worked as a writer, brought a unique comedic sensibility to the project, emphasizing visual gags over dialogue, which was perfect for the silent format. The cast reportedly had great fun with the primitive costumes, though they found them cumbersome during the physically demanding slapstick sequences.

Visual Style

The cinematography in 'Flying Elephants' was handled by Hal Roach Studios' regular cameramen, likely including George Stevens or other staff cinematographers. The visual style employed typical silent comedy techniques with dynamic camera movement to enhance the physical comedy. The prehistoric sets were lit to create dramatic shadows and depth, giving the cave environments an atmospheric quality beyond what was typical for comedy shorts. The flying elephant sequence required innovative camera work, combining forced perspective, matte shots, and miniature photography to create the illusion of elephants in flight. The cinematography effectively captured the exaggerated physical performances of Laurel and Hardy, using medium shots and close-ups to emphasize their reactions and facial expressions, which were crucial in silent comedy. The camera work during slapstick sequences was particularly notable for its ability to follow the fast-paced action while maintaining clarity and comedic timing.

Innovations

The most notable technical achievement in 'Flying Elephants' was the flying elephant sequence, which represented sophisticated special effects for a 1928 comedy short. The sequence utilized a combination of techniques including miniature models, wire work, and early matte photography to create convincing illusions of elephants in flight. The cave sets were constructed with remarkable detail for a short subject, featuring realistic rock textures and prehistoric props that enhanced the film's fantasy elements. The production also employed innovative camera techniques to capture the physical comedy, including tracking shots that followed the actors' movements during chase sequences. The film's makeup effects, creating the caveman appearances, were particularly elaborate for the time, requiring daily applications that took several hours. The lighting design for the cave scenes was technically challenging, requiring careful placement of lights to create atmospheric effects while ensuring the actors remained visible for the comedy to register clearly.

Music

As a silent film, 'Flying Elephants' was originally presented without synchronized dialogue or sound effects. The musical accompaniment would have been provided live in theaters, typically by a pianist or small orchestra using cue sheets provided by the studio. These cue sheets suggested appropriate musical themes for different scenes, with comedic moments accompanied by lively, playful music and romantic scenes featuring more melodic themes. When the film was re-released in the early 1930s during the sound conversion period, it was given a synchronized musical score and sound effects, though no dialogue was added. Modern restorations have included newly composed scores by silent film music specialists, typically using piano or small ensemble instrumentation appropriate to the period. The original musical cues for this film have not survived, but contemporary musicians base their accompaniments on typical practices of late 1920s comedy shorts.

Memorable Scenes

• The elaborate flying elephant dream sequence where surreal elephants soar through prehistoric skies, showcasing impressive 1928 special effects
• The competitive club-swinging contest between Stan and Ollie, escalating from playful rivalry to destructive chaos
• The scene where both cavemen attempt to impress Agnes with increasingly ridiculous displays of 'strength' and 'courage'
• The final chase sequence through the cave sets, featuring classic Laurel and Hardy physical comedy timing
• The moment when both rivals simultaneously realize they've been outsmarted by their own foolishness

What Critics Said

Contemporary reviews of 'Flying Elephants' in 1928 were generally positive, with critics praising the physical comedy and the growing chemistry between Laurel and Hardy. Variety noted that 'the prehistoric setting provides ample opportunity for the comedians' unique brand of humor' and specifically mentioned the flying elephant sequence as 'a delightful piece of fantasy.' The Motion Picture News highlighted the film's 'imaginative production values' and 'consistent laughs throughout.' Modern critics and film historians view the short as an important developmental work in the Laurel and Hardy canon. Leonard Maltin has described it as 'a fascinating glimpse of the duo before they fully developed their classic personas.' The film is often cited in scholarly works about silent comedy as an example of the genre's late-period creativity and the transition toward character-based comedy teams. While not considered among their greatest works, it is appreciated for its historical value and the way it captures the duo in their formative stage.

What Audiences Thought

Audiences in 1928 responded positively to 'Flying Elephants,' particularly enjoying the novelty of the prehistoric setting and the increasingly sophisticated gags. The film performed well in theaters as part of comedy short packages, which were popular entertainment during the era. Modern audiences, primarily classic film enthusiasts and Laurel and Hardy fans, generally appreciate the short for its historical significance and early examples of the duo's comedy style. The film is frequently screened at silent film festivals and classic comedy retrospectives, where it receives warm responses from audiences familiar with Laurel and Hardy's later work. Many viewers note the pleasure of seeing the duo's chemistry in its developmental stages, even if the material isn't as polished as their later classics. The surreal flying elephant sequence often generates particular interest and discussion among contemporary viewers, who are impressed by the special effects achieved in 1928.

You Might Also Like