HISTORY: During the 1950's, Laurel and Hardy made several
plans
to appear in television comedies, either as a regular series or a
series
of specials. Unfortunately, touring plans and the health of either Stan
or Babe prevented these projects from getting off the ground. Their
only
network TV appearance came on December 1, 1954 on NBC's THIS IS YOUR
LIFE.
It was a surprise, unrehearsed appearance (which may or may not have
miffed
Stan a bit) during which friends and co-workers from The Boys' past
were
trotted out for a series of teary-eyed, nostalgic embraces. The Boys
are
polite and charming throughout, though they leave most of the talking
to
host Ralph Edwards. Some of the choices of guests may be questionable
(why
Vivian Blaine instead of Charlie Hall or Anita Garvin, for instance?),
but the appearances of Hal Roach Jr., Leo McCarey, Ida Laurel and
Lucille
Hardy were certainly appropriate. A fairly entertaining half-hour, and
one of our few glimpses into Stan and Babe's offscreen personas.
Copyright © John Larrabee, John V. Brennan 2003. All Rights Reserved.
