The Flying Deuces

Plot

In this classic Laurel and Hardy comedy, Oliver Hardy falls deeply in love with Georgette, the beautiful daughter of an innkeeper, only to be heartbroken when he discovers she's already married. In his despair, Ollie attempts suicide through a series of comically failed methods, with Stan Laurel trying to help but only making things worse. To escape their troubles and Ollie's broken heart, the duo decide to join the French Foreign Legion, believing it will be a fresh start away from women and romantic complications. Their military experience proves disastrous as they struggle with basic training, discipline, and their commanding officer's harsh treatment. When they're caught trying to desert the Legion, they face execution by firing squad but manage a dramatic escape by stealing an airplane, leading to a chaotic aerial finale that showcases their trademark physical comedy and perfect timing.

Historical Background

Released in October 1939, just weeks after Germany's invasion of Poland and the beginning of World War II, 'The Flying Deuces' emerged during a pivotal moment in world history. The film's military comedy theme took on new significance as global conflict loomed, though the Foreign Legion setting allowed it to maintain a safe distance from contemporary political tensions. In Hollywood, 1939 is often considered the greatest year in film history, with releases including 'Gone with the Wind,' 'The Wizard of Oz,' and 'Stagecoach.' Against this backdrop of cinematic excellence, Laurel and Hardy's comedy provided audiences with much-needed levity during increasingly uncertain times. The Foreign Legion had long been a romantic and exotic subject in American cinema, representing adventure, mystery, and escape from everyday life. This film also represents the end of an era for Laurel and Hardy at Hal Roach Studios, as they would soon transition to major studios where their creative control would diminish. The timing of its release meant that many European countries would not see the film until after the war, if at all, due to distribution disruptions caused by the conflict.

Making Of

The production of 'The Flying Deuces' faced numerous challenges, primarily due to the desert location filming where temperatures regularly exceeded 100°F. Both Laurel and Hardy, who were in their late 40s, struggled with the physical demands of performing comedy in such extreme conditions. The famous aircraft sequence required extensive planning and coordination with the pilot, as neither actor had any flying experience. Director A. Edward Sutherland, known for his work with the Marx Brothers, brought a faster-paced style to this film compared to previous Laurel and Hardy features. The relationship between the two comedians was reportedly strained during this production due to Hardy's recent divorce and Laurel's perfectionism on set. Despite these tensions, their on-screen chemistry remained impeccable, and many critics consider this film one of their best feature-length works. The film's production coincided with the outbreak of World War II in Europe, which added an unintended layer of relevance to its military comedy theme.

Visual Style

The cinematography by Norbert Brodine effectively captures both the intimate comedy moments and the expansive desert sequences. The film employs a relatively straightforward visual style typical of Hal Roach productions of the era, with clear, well-lit compositions that ensure the physical comedy is always visible and easy to follow. The desert sequences utilize natural lighting to create a sense of heat and vastness, contrasting with the more controlled studio lighting of the interior scenes. The aerial photography, while not technically innovative for its time, effectively conveys the chaos and comedy of the final escape sequence. Camera movement is generally minimal during the comedy set pieces, allowing the focus to remain on the performers' physical timing and expressions. The film makes effective use of deep focus in several scenes, particularly in the Foreign Legion barracks sequences where multiple gags occur simultaneously. The contrast between the claustrophobic indoor scenes and the expansive outdoor locations reinforces the film's narrative progression from domestic troubles to military adventure. The cinematography successfully balances the needs of comedy with the visual requirements of the military and aviation sequences.

Innovations

While 'The Flying Deuces' was not groundbreaking in terms of technical innovation, it demonstrated solid craftsmanship in several areas. The aerial sequences required careful coordination between the film crew and experienced pilots to achieve the desired comedic effect while maintaining safety. The film's use of location shooting in the Mojave Desert, though challenging due to weather conditions, provided authentic visual texture that enhanced the Foreign Legion setting. The special effects for the various suicide attempts, particularly the scenes involving water and heights, were accomplished through clever camera angles and editing rather than sophisticated optical effects. The film's sound recording techniques effectively captured both dialogue and physical comedy sounds in challenging outdoor conditions. The production design for the Foreign Legion set created a convincing military environment while allowing space for the physical comedy sequences. The film's editing maintains excellent comedic timing throughout, particularly in the rapid-fire gags of the training sequences. While not technically revolutionary, the film represents a high level of professional competence typical of major studio productions of the late 1930s.

Music

The film's musical score was composed by Marvin Hatley, Hal Roach Studios' longtime musical director, who also created the famous Laurel and Hardy theme song 'The Cuckoo Song.' The soundtrack effectively supports the comedy with playful, light-hearted arrangements that enhance the physical humor without overwhelming it. A standout musical moment occurs when Stan Laurel performs 'The Shine on Harvest Moon,' showcasing his musical talents and adding a touch of nostalgia to the film. The Foreign Legion sequences feature martial-inspired music that parodies military pomp while maintaining a comedic tone. The aerial finale is accompanied by more dramatic musical cues that heighten the sense of action and danger while still supporting the comedy. The film uses diegetic music sparingly but effectively, most notably in the inn scenes where music contributes to the romantic atmosphere that Ollie finds so appealing. The sound design emphasizes the physical comedy with exaggerated effects for falls, crashes, and impacts, a hallmark of Laurel and Hardy films. The overall musical approach maintains the team's established sound while adapting it to the military and aviation themes of this particular story.

Memorable Scenes

• The elaborate suicide sequence where Ollie attempts various methods of ending his life, including trying to hang himself from a tree branch that keeps breaking, attempting to drown himself in a shallow puddle, and finally lying on train tracks only to have the train switch to a different line at the last moment.
• The Foreign Legion training montage where Stan and Ollie struggle with marching, physical exercises, and military discipline, culminating in them accidentally knocking down their entire platoon like dominoes.
• The chaotic aerial escape where Stan and Ollie steal an airplane while pursued by the Legion, with Stan accidentally taking control and flying the plane upside down while Ollie hangs from the landing gear.
• The opening inn scene where Ollie first sees Georgette and immediately falls in love, leading to a series of increasingly awkward attempts to impress her while Stan inadvertently sabotages every effort.

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised 'The Flying Deuces' as one of Laurel and Hardy's finest feature-length efforts, with Variety noting that 'the comedy team has never been in better form.' The New York Times highlighted the film's 'consistent humor and perfect timing,' while Film Daily called it 'a laugh riot from start to finish.' Modern critics have been equally appreciative, with Leonard Maltin giving it three out of four stars and praising its 'classic gags and hilarious set pieces.' The film is often cited by comedy historians as representing Laurel and Hardy at their mature best, having perfected their screen personas and comic timing. The aerial sequences, while not technically groundbreaking for the time, were noted for their effective integration of comedy with action. Critics have also pointed out the film's effective balance between broad physical comedy and moments of genuine emotion, particularly in Ollie's heartbreak scenes. The film's pacing and structure have been analyzed as exemplary of the comedy feature format of the era. Some modern critics have noted that the film's military comedy elements have aged differently in the post-9/11 era, though the timeless nature of Laurel and Hardy's humor transcends these concerns.

What Audiences Thought

The Flying Deuces was a commercial success upon its release, earning over $1.2 million domestically against its $500,000 budget, making it one of Laurel and Hardy's most profitable films. Audiences responded enthusiastically to the familiar comedy formula presented in a fresh setting, with the Foreign Legion backdrop providing new opportunities for the duo's classic gags. The film's emotional moments, particularly Ollie's heartbreak and suicide attempts, resonated with viewers and demonstrated the team's ability to blend comedy with pathos. The aerial finale was particularly popular with audiences, who appreciated the spectacle combined with the team's trademark comedy. The film's success led to increased demand for Laurel and Hardy appearances and merchandise. Over the decades, the film has maintained its popularity through television broadcasts and home video releases, with many fans considering it among the team's top five films. The movie's availability in the public domain in some regions has contributed to its widespread distribution and continued audience discovery. Modern audiences continue to respond positively to the film's timeless humor and the chemistry between the two comedians, with many viewing it as an accessible introduction to Laurel and Hardy's work.

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