Stan & Ollie: In 1953 when Laurel and Hardy arrived in Cobh to begin their tour of Ireland and Britain they were overwhelmed by the reception they received: hundreds of boats blew whistles and foghorns, thousands lined the docks, the bells of St Colman's Cathedral played the Laurel and Hardy theme, The Cuckoo Song. This film has the duo arriving in Britain first where things were not quite as bright, early performances had poor attendances and they had resort to publicity stunts to whip up attention. The once famous act was down in the world and they stayed in third rate hotels until the houses improved but ended up in the Savoy Hotel by the time they arrived in London.

This is the story of an act in it's twilight tears, when Hardy's (John C. Reilly) health and gambling problems was taking a toll on the partnership. But Laurel's (Steve Coogan) is unable to accept that the glory days are over and continues with the forlorn hope of making a new film, he also holds a grudge against Hardy stretching back sixteen years. Flashbacks to 1937 when they were at the peak of their fame show Laurel's impatience to make independent films and Hardy'd need for a regular income leading to decisions, Hardy went on to make a film without Laurel as he was still under contract.

Great performances by Reilly and Coogan aided and abetted by Shirley Henderson as Lucy Hardy and Nina Arianda as Ida Kitaeva Laurel, with a great turn by Rufus Jones as Bernard Delfont, as their sleazy English agent. Director Jon S. Baird with a screenplay by Jeff Pope delivers a poignant memoir of a short period in the sunset days of Stan and Laurel with some great set-pieces double act's favourite routines. Including of course On The Trail Of tHe Lonesome Pine. 8.5/10.

Any film that can make me cry deserves at least 8 out of 10.

I have long been a fan of Laurel & Hardy...ever since I was a kid and when they used to show their films a lot on television. Up until very recently when Turner Classic Movies began showing their films, several decades have passed since they were common on TV....and, sadly, a lot of folks probably have no idea who they were. The ticket girl at the theater I went to had absolutely no idea....which is so sad since the pair were geniuses in movies.

I mention this also because your feelings about the film no doubt will depend on your love of them and familiarity you have with their films. I have seen every existing film the team made (a couple movies, such as HATS OFF, have been lost over time)....so the impact of the film was greater on me than most. They managed to make Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly LOOK and act like the famous team....and we can owe this to amazing makeup and prosthetics, great acting and excellent direction. I have a hard time imagining them doing a better job in this area.

The film itself is not perfect however. My aunt went to see the film with me and she said she found some of the early portion confusing. It didn't confuse me and I knew all about the Hardy film "Zenobia" which they talk about here. Additionally, if you love the team, the story has some sad moments as well...such as seeing Hardy's health failing. But it also is a wonderful snapshot at the boys...one that lovers of old time comedy simply must see.