Should Married Men Go Home?

Plot

In this silent comedy short, Oliver Hardy's wife becomes furious when he and his friend Stan Laurel arrive home late and drunk after a night out. Mrs. Hardy throws both men out of the house, forcing them to spend the night outdoors. The next day, they attempt to recover their dignity by going to a golf course where they try to impress two young women. Their ineptitude at golf leads to chaos as they accidentally hit other golfers with their balls, destroy equipment, and eventually engage in a massive brawl with the other players. The film culminates in a frantic chase sequence that showcases Laurel and Hardy's classic physical comedy style.

Historical Background

Released in 1928, this film emerged during the final golden age of silent comedy, just months before 'The Jazz Singer' would revolutionize the film industry with sound. The late 1920s saw comedy teams like Laurel and Hardy reaching their peak popularity in silent cinema, with their carefully timed physical comedy and character-driven humor representing the pinnacle of silent film comedy techniques. The domestic themes reflected the changing social dynamics of the Roaring Twenties, when questions about marriage, gender roles, and leisure time were prominent in American culture. Golf was becoming increasingly popular as a middle-class sport in the 1920s, making it a relatable setting for contemporary audiences. This film represents the sophisticated comedy craftsmanship that had evolved in silent cinema by the late 1920s, with complex gag structures and character development that would soon be challenged by the coming of sound.

Making Of

The production of 'Should Married Men Go Home?' took place during a crucial period in Laurel and Hardy's career when they were transitioning from being supporting players to established stars. The golf course setting was chosen specifically because it offered numerous opportunities for physical comedy gags with equipment that could be used as props. Stan Laurel, known for his meticulous attention to detail in comedy routines, reportedly spent weeks developing the golf-related gags. The film was shot quickly, as was typical for Hal Roach shorts, with principal photography completed in just a few days. The fight scene required multiple takes to perfect the timing of the physical comedy, with both Laurel and Hardy performing many of their own stunts. The chemistry between the two comedians was already well-established by this point, allowing for improvisation within the structured gags.

Visual Style

The cinematography, typical of Hal Roach productions of the era, was clear and functional, designed primarily to showcase the comedy. The golf course setting allowed for wide shots that captured the physical comedy in context, while closer shots emphasized the reactions of Laurel and Hardy. The camera work was straightforward but effective, with the cinematographer understanding the importance of clear sight lines for physical comedy gags. The outdoor filming provided natural lighting that enhanced the visual quality compared to many studio-bound comedies of the period.

Innovations

While not technically innovative in terms of camera work or editing, the film demonstrated sophisticated comedy construction for its time. The timing of physical gags, particularly in the golf sequences, showed an advanced understanding of comedic rhythm. The film's editing effectively built comic momentum through the careful arrangement of gags, with each sequence escalating the chaos. The use of multiple background actors in the golf scenes required complex blocking and coordination, representing a high level of production organization for a two-reel comedy.

Music

As a silent film, it would have been accompanied by live musical accompaniment in theaters, typically a piano or small orchestra. The score would have been compiled from standard photoplay music libraries, with selections chosen to match the mood of each scene. For the golf sequences, lighter, more whimsical music would have been used, while the fight scenes would have been accompanied by more dramatic, fast-paced compositions. In modern restorations, new musical scores have been created by silent film composers to accompany the film for contemporary audiences.

Memorable Scenes

• The opening domestic argument where Mrs. Hardy throws the men out, featuring classic Laurel and Hardy reaction shots; The golf instruction sequence where Stan's 'helpful' advice causes chaos; The escalating golf ball mishaps that hit various unsuspecting players; The massive fight scene that erupts on the golf course, involving multiple players and golf equipment; The final chase sequence where Laurel and Hardy flee from the angry golfers

What Critics Said

Contemporary reviews praised the film for its inventive physical comedy and the growing chemistry between Laurel and Hardy. The Motion Picture News noted the film's 'hilarious golf sequences' and predicted great things for the comedy duo. Modern film historians consider this short an important stepping stone in the team's development, with the Laurel and Hardy Encyclopedia calling it 'a fine example of the duo's silent work that shows their comedy style becoming more refined.' Critics have particularly noted the effective use of the golf course setting for visual gags and the film's contribution to establishing the team's classic dynamic.

What Audiences Thought

The film was well-received by audiences of 1928, who were increasingly recognizing Laurel and Hardy as a distinctive comedy team. Theater reports from the era indicated strong audience response, particularly to the physical comedy sequences and the familiar domestic conflict setup. The short was popular enough to be included in Laurel and Hardy retrospective programs throughout the 1930s and 1940s. Modern audiences at silent film festivals continue to respond positively to the film's timeless physical comedy, with the golf gags remaining particularly effective even for contemporary viewers unfamiliar with silent film conventions.

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