Laurel & Hardy in Spanish? A Double Dose of Noche de Duendes!

Okay, so "Noche de duendes" is a weird one, a real curio. If you're a die-hard Laurel and Hardy fan, especially the kind who digs deep into their international versions, then yeah, this is absolutely worth watching today. For casual viewers or folks who don't 'get' old slapstick, you'll probably find it slow, maybe even a bit confusing. It’s definitely not for someone expecting modern comedy.

This isn't just a simple dubbed version, mind you. They actually reshot scenes in Spanish, which is pretty wild when you think about it. You can tell they're working overtime to get those lines right. Sometimes the delivery feels a bit stiff.

It mashes together bits from Berth Marks and The Laurel and Hardy Murder Case. A kind of Frankenstein's monster of comedy shorts. 🎬

The "Berth Marks" part, which comes first, feels a little more natural in its chaos. Just Stan and Ollie trying to navigate a cramped train car. You know, the usual trouble with tickets and getting shoved around. Ollie's exasperated sighs just hit different, even in Spanish. It's a universal language of frustration. 😩

Then we switch gears pretty hard into the "Murder Case" stuff. The mood completely shifts to a spooky mansion. It’s a real sudden change of scenery. One minute they're on a train, next they're investigating a will in a dark house. No real explanation, just boom.

You gotta appreciate the dedication, though. They brought in some of the original supporting cast, like Charlie Hall. He's always a welcome sight. Even if he's just kinda there in the background, looking grumpy, you know it's him.

The whole murder mystery plot, with the old dark house and the will reading, is classic horror-comedy fodder. They lean into the ghost stuff. Curtains moving on their own, portraits with eyes that seem to follow you. It’s all very theatrical for its time.

Stan's crying gets extra wobbly in Spanish. And Ollie, bless his heart, tries to keep a straight face through all the silliness. His patience is legendary. It's a testament to their enduring chemistry.

Some of the visual gags, like the disappearing bodies or the chairs falling apart, are still pretty clever. You just have to be in the right frame of mind for that old-school pacing. It's not fast, not by a long shot. The silences sometimes stretch out, almost awkwardly.

There's this one shot, I think when they first arrive at the spooky house, where the camera just kinda sits there. It feels like a moment for the audience to soak in the eerie atmosphere. Or maybe the director just liked the composition. 🤷‍♀️

The sound mixing is… interesting. Sometimes the music swells a little too dramatically for a simple pratfall. Other times, the dialogue feels like it's coming from a completely different room. It gives it a unique, almost dreamlike quality. Not bad, just different.

You notice little things, like how they handle the physical comedy. A lot of those falls and tumbles, they really commit. No fancy editing tricks to hide anything. You can practically feel the bumps and bruises.

And the duendes! The "goblins" or "imps" of the title. It really just refers to the spooky, unseen forces in the mansion, the things that make Stan jump. It’s a fun title, adding a little mystery, even if it’s more metaphorical.

Honestly, watching Ollie try to maintain his dignity while Stan is doing... well, Stan things, is always the highlight. His facial expressions are universal. Even without understanding every word, you just get it. That furrowed brow. That look.

This film, or rather, this version of these films, reminds you how global cinema was even back then. They weren't just thinking about Hollywood. They were thinking about audiences everywhere. It’s kind of cool.

It's a historical artifact as much as it is a comedy. A peek into a different way of making movies for different markets. And for that alone, it holds a certain charm. ✨ It’s a real peek behind the curtain of early international filmmaking.

The movie gets noticeably better once you accept its peculiar rhythm. Don't expect a tight narrative; just enjoy the ride. It's a slow burn of escalating silliness.

One small thing I kept thinking about: the costumes seem a bit too nice for two guys who are constantly getting into trouble. Especially Ollie's suit. How does it stay so clean? 🤔

Overall, it's a curiosity. A fun watch for those who appreciate cinema history and the enduring appeal of Laurel and Hardy. If you're new to them, maybe start with their English originals first. Then, once you're hooked, come back for this unique adventure. It's an experience. Definitely one for the completists.