It may be hard to find these days, but Barr's is one of the first book-length critical appraisals of the team. It is also one of the most unique: Barr is his own man and often analyzes scenes from films that have elsewhere escaped critical attention. He also praises a few obscure films (such as "Early to Bed") and supports his positions with detail, sound rationale, and a deep knowledge of the team's comedy. It is also adorned with several stills and frame blowups that Barr uses to illustrate his points about such matters as Hardy's camera takes and Laurel's "white magic." The majority of the book offers Barr's commentary on selected films, and the lengthy appendix presents historical information and Barr's star ratings for each film. Unfortunately, the book was written prior to the advent of the home video age and a few major films to which Barr did not have access get short shrift. But it's a good read with valuable insights and singular opinions. - JL
Copyright © John Larrabee, John V. Brennan 2003. All Rights Reserved.
