That's My Wife

Plot

Oliver Hardy stands to inherit a substantial fortune from his wealthy Uncle Bernal, but there's a crucial condition - he must prove he's happily married. Just as Uncle Bernal arrives for an important visit, Mrs. Hardy (Dorothy Christy) storms out after a domestic dispute. Desperate to maintain the illusion of marital bliss and secure his inheritance, Oliver convinces his lifelong friend Stan Laurel to impersonate his wife. Stan reluctantly dons drag and attempts to pass himself as Mrs. Hardy, leading to a series of increasingly chaotic and hilarious situations as he struggles to maintain his feminine disguise while dealing with the suspicious uncle, household mishaps, and the unexpected return of the real Mrs. Hardy.

Historical Background

1929 was a pivotal year in cinema history, marking the definitive end of the silent film era and the establishment of sound as the industry standard. The stock market crash of October 1929 would soon impact Hollywood's finances, but at the time of this film's release, studios were investing heavily in sound technology. Laurel and Hardy, like many comedy teams, faced the challenge of adapting their visual, physical comedy style to the new medium. Their success in this transition helped prove that silent-era comedians could thrive in talkies. The film also reflects the social attitudes of its time, particularly regarding gender roles and marriage conventions, while using comedy to subtly question these norms through the absurdity of Stan Laurel's drag performance.

Making Of

The production of 'That's My Wife' took place during one of the most tumultuous periods in Hollywood history - the transition from silent to sound films. The cast and crew faced numerous technical challenges as MGM was still equipping its studios for sound recording. The bulky microphones of the era were often hidden in flower pots or other props on set, severely limiting the actors' movement. Stan Laurel's transformation into a woman required hours in the makeup chair each day, with the makeup department experimenting with different techniques to create a believable female appearance while still allowing for his facial expressions to show through. The chemistry between Laurel and Hardy was so well-established by this point that much of the comedy emerged naturally, with the duo often improvising within the structured script. Director Lloyd French, who understood their comedic style perfectly, encouraged this spontaneity while ensuring the technical requirements of sound filming were met.

Visual Style

The cinematography by Art Lloyd reflects the technical constraints and opportunities of early sound filming. The camera work is more static than typical silent-era comedies due to the limitations of sound recording equipment, but Lloyd compensates with careful composition and framing. The visual style emphasizes the contrast between the supposed sophistication of the wealthy household and the chaotic comedy unfolding within it. Lighting techniques help create the illusion of a luxurious mansion while drawing attention to key comedic moments, particularly during Stan Laurel's transformation scenes. The cinematography successfully balances the technical requirements of sound filming with the visual comedy needs of Laurel and Hardy's performance style.

Innovations

While not groundbreaking in technical terms, 'That's My Wife' represents a successful application of early sound technology to comedy. The production team solved the challenge of recording clear dialogue while allowing for physical comedy through innovative microphone placement and sound mixing techniques. The film demonstrates effective use of sound effects to enhance visual gags, a technique that would become standard in comedy films. The makeup and costume department achieved notable success in creating Stan Laurel's female disguise that was convincing enough for the plot while still allowing his comedic expressions to show through. The film stands as an example of how studios adapted to sound technology without sacrificing the visual comedy that had made silent films popular.

Music

The film features a musical score typical of early sound comedies, with background music composed by Leroy Shield (though uncredited in the film). The music enhances the comedic timing and emotional beats of the story, using leitmotifs for different characters and situations. Sound effects play a crucial role in the comedy, particularly during scenes involving Stan Laurel's struggles with women's clothing and his attempts to maintain a feminine voice. The dialogue recording, while primitive by modern standards, captures the natural banter between Laurel and Hardy that made them so popular. The soundtrack represents an early example of how music and sound effects could enhance physical comedy without overwhelming it.

Memorable Scenes

• The transformation sequence where Stan Laurel reluctantly puts on women's clothing, struggling with corsets, high heels, and makeup while Oliver Hardy offers increasingly unhelpful advice
• The dinner scene where Stan, disguised as Mrs. Hardy, must maintain his feminine voice and mannerisms while eating, leading to a series of near-discoveries
• The climactic scene where both the real Mrs. Hardy and Stan in drag are present simultaneously, creating chaos as they try to avoid Uncle Bernal discovering the deception
• The opening domestic argument between Oliver and Mrs. Hardy that establishes the premise and showcases their comedic timing

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised 'That's My Wife' for its successful adaptation of Laurel and Hardy's comedy style to the sound format. The Variety review noted that 'the boys handle their dialogue with their usual expert timing' and particularly commended Stan Laurel's 'surprisingly convincing' performance in drag. Modern critics and film historians view the short as a solid example of early sound comedy, appreciating how it maintains the duo's physical comedy while incorporating verbal humor. The film is often cited in discussions of how comedy teams successfully navigated the transition to sound, with particular attention paid to how Laurel and Hardy's established chemistry translated well to the new medium.

What Audiences Thought

Audiences in 1929 embraced 'That's My Wife' enthusiastically, with theaters reporting strong attendance and positive audience reactions. The film's domestic setting and relatable marital humor resonated with viewers during a time of social change. Stan Laurel's drag performance generated particular amusement, with audiences responding to the absurdity of the situation and the skill with which he maintained his disguise. The short film format was ideal for theatrical programming of the era, and 'That's My Wife' became a popular feature on double bills. Modern audiences discovering the film through classic film screenings and home media continue to appreciate its timeless comedy and the enduring appeal of Laurel and Hardy's partnership.

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