The Finishing Touch

Plot

Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy are hired as carpenters to build a house for an impatient homeowner who demands the job be completed in just one day. The incompetent duo face a series of catastrophic mishaps during construction, including misplaced measurements, falling tools, and chaotic attempts at teamwork. After numerous disasters and comedic failures, they somehow manage to erect a completed house just as the deadline approaches. However, their triumph is short-lived when a small bird lands on the roof, causing the entire poorly constructed building to collapse into a pile of rubble. The enraged homeowner refuses to pay and demands his money back, leading to further complications and physical comedy as Stan and Ollie attempt to escape their furious client.

Historical Background

1928 was a pivotal year in cinema history, marking the transition from silent films to 'talkies.' 'The Finishing Touch' represents the pinnacle of silent comedy craftsmanship, created just as the sound revolution was beginning to transform Hollywood. The film was produced during the Jazz Age, a period of economic prosperity and cultural change in America. Laurel and Hardy were becoming increasingly popular as a comedy team, and this film helped solidify their status as major stars. The construction theme reflected the building boom of the 1920s, making the film relatable to contemporary audiences. This was also the year that the Academy Awards were established, though comedy shorts were not yet a separate category. The film's release came just months before the first all-talking feature film, making it part of the last great wave of silent comedies.

Making Of

The production of 'The Finishing Touch' showcased the meticulous planning that went into Laurel and Hardy's physical comedy. The construction set was engineered with specific weak points to ensure the collapse sequence would work perfectly each time. Stan Laurel, who was deeply involved in the creative process, contributed many gags and timing elements. Oliver Hardy's larger physical presence was utilized for contrast with Laurel's smaller, more frantic movements. The filming required multiple takes of the house collapse, as the timing had to be precise to maximize comedic impact. Director Clyde Bruckman, known for his technical expertise in comedy filming, used innovative camera angles to enhance the visual humor of the construction chaos. The bird sequence was particularly challenging, requiring careful coordination between the animal trainer and the film crew to achieve the perfect comedic moment.

Visual Style

The cinematography by George Stevens employs careful framing to maximize the physical comedy gags. Wide shots are used effectively to show the full scale of the construction chaos and the eventual house collapse. The camera work demonstrates the sophisticated techniques being developed in late silent films, including dynamic movement during action sequences. Stevens uses varying camera angles to enhance the comedy, such as low angles to emphasize the height of the construction and close-ups to capture the duo's reactions. The photography maintains clear visibility of the complex physical gags, crucial for silent comedy where visual clarity is paramount. The lighting techniques used help create depth in the construction set, making the space feel three-dimensional and allowing for more complex staging of the comedy sequences.

Innovations

The house collapse sequence represents a significant technical achievement in special effects for its time. The construction set was engineered with precise breakaway points and tension systems to ensure a controlled yet spectacular collapse. The timing of the bird landing and subsequent collapse required meticulous coordination between the animal handler, effects crew, and camera operators. The film showcases innovative use of perspective and forced perspective techniques to enhance the comedy. The production team developed new methods for safely executing dangerous-looking stunts while protecting the performers. The film's editing demonstrates sophisticated rhythm and pacing, particularly in building tension during the construction sequences. These technical innovations influenced how physical comedy sequences would be filmed in subsequent years.

Music

As a silent film, 'The Finishing Touch' originally featured no recorded dialogue or sound effects. The musical accompaniment would have been provided live in theaters by pianists or small orchestras, typically using cue sheets provided by the studio. The score would have included popular songs of the era as well as classical pieces chosen to match the mood of each scene. Modern restorations and releases of the film often feature newly composed scores by silent film music specialists. These contemporary scores attempt to recreate the authentic silent era experience while using modern recording technology. The musical choices typically emphasize the comedic timing of the physical gags and enhance the emotional beats of the story. Some versions include sound effects added in later years, though purists prefer the silent version with only musical accompaniment.

Memorable Scenes

• The elaborate house collapse sequence where a small bird causes the entire structure to fall in perfectly timed comedic destruction
• Stan and Ollie's chaotic attempts at measuring and cutting lumber with increasingly disastrous results
• The paint-spilling scene where the duo end up covered in white paint while trying to paint the house
• The nail-hammering sequence where Stan manages to nail his own thumb to a board
• The final chase scene as they flee the angry homeowner with comedic physical gags throughout

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised 'The Finishing Touch' for its inventive gags and the growing chemistry between Laurel and Hardy. The film was reviewed favorably in trade publications like Variety and Motion Picture News, which highlighted the clever construction mishaps and the spectacular house collapse sequence. Critics noted that the duo was developing a unique comedic style that set them apart from other comedy teams of the era. Modern film historians and critics consider this short an important example of Laurel and Hardy's early work, showing the development of their classic formula. The film is often cited in scholarly works about silent comedy as an example of sophisticated physical comedy and timing. Critics particularly praise the elaborate set construction and the engineering behind the collapse sequence as demonstrating the high production values of Hal Roach Studios.

What Audiences Thought

Audiences in 1928 responded enthusiastically to 'The Finishing Touch,' with theaters reporting strong attendance and positive audience reactions. The film was popular in both domestic and international markets, helping establish Laurel and Hardy's global appeal. Moviegoers particularly enjoyed the escalating chaos of the construction sequence and the satisfying collapse of the house. The film's success at the box office encouraged Hal Roach to continue developing the Laurel and Hardy team concept. Contemporary audience members often laughed and cheered during the house collapse scene, which became one of the most talked-about moments in the short. Modern audiences who view the film in revival screenings or through home media continue to appreciate its timeless physical comedy and the duo's endearing characters.

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