Unaccustomed as We Are

Plot

Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy find themselves in domestic turmoil when Hardy's wife goes out for the evening, leaving the duo to entertain their attractive neighbor Mrs. Kennedy. Their innocent evening of entertainment quickly descends into chaos when Hardy's wife unexpectedly returns home early, forcing Laurel and Hardy to desperately try to hide their visitor. The situation escalates with a series of comedic misunderstandings, including a kitchen fire, mistaken identities, and frantic attempts to explain their circumstances. The film culminates in a wild chase sequence through their apartment building as the truth comes out in increasingly disastrous ways.

Historical Background

Released in 1929, 'Unaccustomed as We Are' emerged during one of the most transformative periods in cinema history - the transition from silent to sound films. The film industry was in turmoil as studios scrambled to convert to sound technology, and many silent film stars struggled to make the transition. This period also coincided with the beginning of the Great Depression, making comedy films particularly valuable as escapist entertainment for struggling audiences. The success of early sound comedies like this one helped establish the viability of the new medium and proved that comedy could be just as effective with dialogue as it had been with physical humor alone.

Making Of

The production of 'Unaccustomed as We Are' faced numerous challenges due to the primitive state of sound recording technology in 1929. The microphones were large and conspicuous, requiring creative placement within the set design. The cast had to remain relatively still during dialogue scenes, which actually enhanced Laurel and Hardy's comedic timing. Director Lewis R. Foster had to balance the visual comedy that made the duo famous in silent films with the new requirements of sound recording. The chemistry between Laurel and Hardy translated remarkably well to sound, with their verbal timing proving as effective as their physical comedy. The kitchen fire sequence was particularly difficult to film, as the sound equipment was sensitive to smoke and heat, requiring multiple takes and careful coordination between the special effects and sound departments.

Visual Style

The cinematography by Art Lloyd adapted to the technical constraints of early sound filming, using more static camera setups than typical silent comedies. The lighting had to be carefully arranged to avoid interfering with the sensitive microphones. The apartment set was designed to accommodate both the action and the sound equipment, with careful attention to how scenes were framed. Despite these limitations, the visual comedy remained effective, with well-composed shots that enhanced the physical humor while accommodating the new technical requirements.

Innovations

The film represents an early successful implementation of sound recording for comedy, demonstrating that verbal humor could enhance rather than diminish physical comedy. The production team developed innovative techniques for hiding microphones within the set design, a practice that would become standard in sound filmmaking. The synchronization of sound effects with physical comedy gags was particularly noteworthy, showing how the new technology could actually enhance comedic timing. The film proved that comedy shorts could successfully incorporate dialogue without losing their visual appeal.

Music

The film utilized the early sound-on-film technology, with a basic musical score accompanying the action. The soundtrack included popular songs of the era as background music, with sound effects created live during filming. The dialogue recording was relatively primitive by modern standards, but clear enough to showcase Laurel and Hardy's verbal comedy. The sound design emphasized domestic sounds - doors slamming, dishes breaking, and other household noises that enhanced the comedy of the situation.

Memorable Scenes

• The frantic kitchen scene where Laurel and Hardy try to cook while hiding their visitor, culminating in a small fire that they desperately try to conceal from Hardy's returning wife. The sequence combines physical comedy with verbal misunderstandings, showcasing how effectively the team had adapted to sound.

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised the film for successfully transitioning Laurel and Hardy's comedy style to the new sound medium. The New York Times noted that 'the famous comedy team loses none of their charm in their first talking picture.' Modern critics view the film as historically important for preserving Laurel and Hardy's comedy during the technological transition. Film historians often cite it as an example of how comedy adapted to sound better than many other genres, thanks to the verbal wit and timing that complemented the duo's physical comedy.

What Audiences Thought

Audiences in 1929 enthusiastically embraced Laurel and Hardy's transition to sound, with the film proving popular in theaters across America. The familiarity of the comedy team combined with the novelty of sound made it a box office success. Contemporary audience reports indicate that viewers particularly enjoyed the verbal interplay between Laurel and Hardy, finding their dialogue as funny as their physical antics. The film's domestic themes resonated with audiences during the uncertain economic times of the early Depression era.

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