The Second 100 Years

Plot

In this silent comedy short, Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy play convicts serving long sentences who devise an elaborate plan to escape from prison. After successfully breaking out, they steal civilian clothes and attempt to blend into society, but their prison habits and ineptitude constantly give them away. The duo encounters numerous mishaps including run-ins with authority figures, mistaken identities, and chaotic situations that expose their true identities. Their escape attempts become increasingly desperate as they face one comedic obstacle after another, ultimately leading to their recapture in a series of classic slapstick gags. The film showcases the early chemistry between the two comedians that would define their future partnership.

Historical Background

The film was produced in 1927, a pivotal year in cinema history that marked the end of the silent era's dominance. The Jazz Singer had been released in October 1927, revolutionizing the industry with synchronized dialogue and sound. This transition created uncertainty for silent comedians who had built their careers on visual humor and pantomime. The Roach studio, like others, was beginning to experiment with sound technology while still producing silent films. The late 1920s also saw the peak of the short film format, which was the standard presentation for comedy in movie theaters. The economic prosperity of the Roaring Twenties meant audiences had disposable income for entertainment, and cinema was one of the most popular pastimes. This film represents the final flowering of pure visual comedy before the technical and artistic challenges of sound would transform the medium.

Making Of

The production of 'The Second 100 Years' took place during a formative period in comedy history at Hal Roach Studios. The film was part of a series of shorts that gradually built the Laurel and Hardy partnership, with director Fred Guiol playing a crucial role in shaping their dynamic. The comedy team was still developing their iconic characters, with Hardy's pompous but lovable persona and Laurel's childlike innocence becoming more defined with each film. The prison set was a versatile backdrop that allowed for numerous physical comedy opportunities, and the cast often improvised gags during filming. The production team worked quickly, as was typical for comedy shorts of the era, often completing filming in just two to three days. The film's success helped cement the decision to make Laurel and Hardy a permanent team, leading to their legendary status in comedy history.

Visual Style

The cinematography in 'The Second 100 Years' reflects the standard practices of silent comedy production in the late 1920s. The camera work was functional rather than artistic, focusing on clearly capturing the physical comedy and facial expressions of the performers. Wide shots were used to establish the prison setting and allow for full visibility of the slapstick sequences, while medium shots captured the performers' reactions and interactions. The lighting was bright and even, typical of studio productions of the era, ensuring that all details of the physical comedy were visible to the audience. The camera remained relatively static compared to modern filmmaking, with movement limited to what was necessary to follow the action. The film stock was black and white, and the cinematography emphasized contrast to help define the visual elements of the comedy.

Innovations

While 'The Second 100 Years' was not a groundbreaking film in terms of technical innovation, it represents the refinement of established silent comedy techniques. The film demonstrates sophisticated use of visual storytelling without dialogue, relying on pantomime, physical comedy, and visual gags to convey humor and narrative. The editing effectively times the comedy sequences for maximum impact, a crucial skill in silent comedy. The use of the prison set and props shows the efficiency of studio production methods, with reusable elements that could be quickly adapted for different films. The film's preservation demonstrates the durability of nitrate film stock when properly stored, though many films from this era have been lost due to deterioration. The cinematography effectively captures the rapid-fire pace of the comedy, using the technical limitations of the era to its advantage rather than being constrained by them.

Music

As a silent film, 'The Second 100 Years' had no synchronized soundtrack, but it would have been accompanied by live musical performance during theatrical exhibition. The typical accompaniment would have included a piano or organ player providing mood music and synchronized sound effects. The prison scenes would have featured dramatic, tense music, while the comedy sequences would have been accompanied by lighter, more playful tunes. Sound effects like crashes, bangs, and slide whistles would have been created by the musician or additional theater staff to enhance the physical comedy. Some larger theaters might have employed small orchestras for more elaborate presentations. The musical cues would have been suggested in the film's cue sheets, which were distributed to theaters to guide the accompaniment. This live musical element was integral to the silent film experience and significantly influenced audience perception and enjoyment of the comedy.

Memorable Scenes

• The prison escape sequence where Laurel and Hardy attempt to climb over the wall using a makeshift rope, resulting in classic slapstick comedy as they struggle and fail repeatedly. The scene showcases their contrasting physical types and comedic timing, with the slender Laurel and portly Hardy creating visual humor through their different approaches to the escape attempt.

What Critics Said

Contemporary critical reception for comedy shorts like 'The Second 100 Years' was typically limited to trade publications and local newspapers. Reviews generally praised the physical comedy and the growing chemistry between Laurel and Hardy. Variety and Motion Picture News noted the effective use of sight gags and the performers' comic timing. Modern critics and film historians view the film as an important stepping stone in the development of the Laurel and Hardy partnership, appreciating its historical value even if it lacks the polish of their later, more famous works. The film is often cited in studies of silent comedy as an example of the team's early work and the evolution of their comic personas. Film restoration specialists have praised the film's preservation quality, which allows modern audiences to appreciate the visual comedy techniques of the era.

What Audiences Thought

Audiences in 1927 responded positively to the film's slapstick humor and the emerging dynamic between Laurel and Hardy. The prison escape scenario provided relatable conflict and opportunities for the physical comedy that silent film audiences craved. Theater audiences often laughed aloud at the visual gags, a common reaction to successful comedy shorts of the era. The film's popularity helped build audience recognition of the two comedians as a team, contributing to their growing star power. Modern audiences, particularly classic film enthusiasts and comedy historians, appreciate the film as an early example of the duo's work, though it's less well-known than their later features. The film continues to entertain audiences at classic film festivals and in retrospective screenings, where its timeless physical comedy still generates laughter.

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