The Battle of the Century (1927) Directed by Clyde Bruckman
Short / Comedy
Film Review
Until recently, the only surviving footage of this two reel comedy was
the five minute sequence containing the now legendary custard pie
fight, the largest ever staged for a film. This was preserved in
tact thanks to its inclusion in Robert Youngson's 1965 Laurel and Hardy
documentary. In the 1980s, the first reel of the film (including
the boxing match sequence) was unearthed, but the remaining footage of
the second reel is still lost.
With its similarities to Buster Keaton's Battling Butler (1926) and the
flan-flinging films of Mack Sennett, Battle
of the Century does not feel like a typical Laurel and Hardy
offering. Stan and Ollie's relationship hasn't quite solidified
into the classic double act that we know today, but there are some
tantalising tasters for what is to come. However much Stan and
Ollie abuse and exploit one another, however many pies they land in
each other's face, their friendship remains intact, the one secure
thing in a hostile and uncertain universe.
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Film Synopsis
Stan is a reluctant boxer, but Ollie, his manager, has high
hopes. Ollie's hopes are of course misplaced, as Stan is
demolished with ease in his first fight. The next day, a man who
saw the disastrous contest sells Ollie an insurance policy on
Stan. Eager to make money from the policy, Ollie arranges a
series of accidents, but these do not play out as intended.
Instead, the boys provoke a massive street battle involving custard
pies.
Cast:Stan Laurel (Prize fighter),
Oliver Hardy (Manager),
Wilson Benge (Pie Victim in Top Hat),
Ed Brandenburg (Warring pedestrian),
Dorothy Coburn (Pie victim boarding auto),
Lou Costello (Boxing Hall extra),
George B. French (Dentist),
Anita Garvin (Slips on pie),
Dick Gilbert (Sewer worker),
Charlie Hall (Pie delivery man),
Jack Hill (Ringside spectator),
Ham Kinsey (Ringside spectator),
Sam Lufkin (Boxing referee),
Eric Mack (Spectator),
Gene Morgan (Ring announcer),
Steve Murphy (Noah Young's Assistant),
Jack O'Brien (Shoeshine Patron),
Bob O'Connor (Warring pedestrian),
Eugene Pallette (Insurance agent),
Bert Roach (Ringside spectator)
Country: USA
Language: English
Support: Black and White / Silent
Runtime: 19 min
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