They Go Boom!

Plot

Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy rent a room for the night in a boarding house, but their attempts at sleep prove disastrous. Ollie is suffering from a severe cold and coughs incessantly, while Stan's thunderous snoring prevents any rest. The duo try various remedies to solve their respective problems, from nose drops to tying Stan's nose, but each solution only creates more chaos. Their escalating attempts to silence each other's noises result in the complete destruction of their rented room. The situation culminates with their angry landlord Charlie Hall intervening, leading to a frantic conclusion where all three men end up in a state of panic and disarray.

Historical Background

They Go Boom! was produced during a pivotal moment in cinema history - the transition from silent films to talkies. 1929 was the first full year where sound films dominated Hollywood production, and many silent film stars struggled to adapt their acting styles for the new medium. Laurel and Hardy, however, successfully made the transition by incorporating sound into their established comedy routines. The film was released just four months before the devastating stock market crash of October 1929, which would usher in the Great Depression and dramatically change the film industry. During this period, comedy shorts served as important entertainment for audiences seeking escape from growing economic anxieties. The Hal Roach Studios, where this film was made, was at the height of its creative output, producing some of the most influential comedy of the era. The technical limitations of early sound recording, including the bulky equipment and poor sound isolation, directly influenced the film's confined setting and stationary camera work.

Making Of

The filming of 'They Go Boom!' presented unique challenges as Laurel and Hardy were still adapting to the new requirements of sound cinema. Unlike their silent films where they could move freely and use physical comedy without restraint, the early sound recording equipment required them to remain close to microphones hidden on set. Director James Parrott had to carefully choreograph the physical comedy to work within these technical limitations. The famous scene where Stan tries to cure Ollie's cold required multiple takes due to timing issues with the sound effects. Oliver Hardy actually did have a cold during filming, which added authenticity to his coughing fits but also caused production delays. The bed destruction sequence was filmed in one continuous take to maintain comedic timing, with the actors performing their own stunts. The production team created a special breakaway bed prop that could collapse safely while still looking realistic on camera.

Visual Style

The cinematography in They Go Boom! reflects the technical constraints of early sound filming while still managing to create visual interest within a confined space. Cinematographer George Stevens (who would later become a renowned director) worked with stationary cameras due to the noise created by camera movements in early sound recording. The film uses careful composition within the single room set, with the bed serving as the central visual anchor. Lighting was particularly challenging as early sound stages required additional soundproofing that limited natural light. Stevens employed dramatic lighting contrasts to emphasize the nighttime setting and create visual depth in the small space. The camera work during the chaotic sequences maintains clarity despite the rapid action, using medium shots that capture both the performers and their immediate environment. The cinematography successfully balances the technical requirements of sound filming with the visual needs of physical comedy.

Innovations

They Go Boom! showcased several technical innovations for early sound cinema, particularly in its use of sound effects for comedic purposes. The film demonstrated how synchronized sound could enhance physical comedy rather than hinder it, a significant achievement during a period when many comedians struggled with the transition to talkies. The production team developed creative solutions for recording clear dialogue during physical comedy sequences, including hidden microphones and careful sound mixing. The film's successful integration of sound effects with visual gags influenced subsequent comedy productions. The bed destruction sequence featured innovative sound engineering that created realistic crashing noises while maintaining audio clarity. The technical crew also pioneered methods for reducing echo in small sets, a common problem in early sound recording. These achievements helped establish technical standards for sound comedy that would influence the industry for years to come.

Music

The soundtrack for They Go Boom! was recorded using the Vitaphone sound-on-disc system, which was cutting-edge technology for 1929. The musical score was composed by Leroy Shield, who created many of the memorable themes for Hal Roach productions. The film's sound design was particularly innovative for its time, using various everyday objects to create comedic sound effects. The coughing, snoring, and crashing sounds were carefully synchronized with the action, creating a rhythmic comedy of audio and visual elements. The film also features diegetic music from a radio that briefly plays in the background, adding to the domestic atmosphere. Unlike many early sound films that suffered from poor audio quality, They Go Boom! maintained relatively clear sound throughout, thanks to the controlled indoor setting. The soundtrack demonstrates how Laurel and Hardy quickly mastered the art of sound comedy, using audio as an essential component of their humor rather than just a technical necessity.

Memorable Scenes

• The escalating sequence where Stan tries various methods to cure Ollie's cold, culminating in the disastrous use of nose drops that causes Ollie to spray the medicine everywhere. The bed destruction scene where their attempts to silence each other's noises result in the complete collapse of their sleeping arrangements, leaving both men tangled in the wreckage. The final frantic chase with the landlord that combines all the previous chaos into a crescendo of comedic disaster, with all three men slipping and sliding across the destroyed room.

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised They Go Boom! for successfully translating Laurel and Hardy's comedy genius to the sound medium. Variety noted that 'the boys have lost none of their comic timing in the transition to talkies' and specifically highlighted the innovative use of sound effects. The New York Times called it 'a delightful short subject that proves sound can enhance rather than hinder visual comedy.' Modern critics and film historians have come to regard it as one of the team's strongest early sound efforts. The film is often cited in Laurel and Hardy scholarship as a prime example of their ability to adapt to new cinematic technologies while maintaining their core comedic appeal. Critics particularly appreciate how the film uses the limitations of early sound recording to its advantage, creating a claustrophobic atmosphere that enhances the comedy. The film is frequently included in retrospectives of early sound comedy and is considered a significant work in the history of American comedy cinema.

What Audiences Thought

Audiences in 1929 enthusiastically embraced They Go Boom!, finding relief in its comedy during increasingly uncertain economic times. Theater owners reported that the short received hearty laughter and applause, with many requesting it for return engagements. The film's relatable premise of sleepless nights resonated with viewers who had experienced similar frustrations. Contemporary audience letters to movie magazines praised the film's clever use of sound and the duo's impeccable timing. Modern audiences continue to appreciate the film through revival screenings and home video releases, with comedy fans often citing it as a favorite Laurel and Hardy short. The film has maintained its appeal across generations, proving that the comedy of frustration and escalating chaos remains universally funny. Fan clubs dedicated to Laurel and Hardy frequently screen the film at their conventions, and it remains popular on streaming platforms dedicated to classic cinema.

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