Pardon Us: Laurel & Hardy's Jailhouse Japes Still Bring the Giggles

Alright, so if you're ever in the mood for some old-school laughs, the kind that make you feel like you've stumbled into a simpler time, then Pardon Us is definitely worth a look. It’s a Laurel and Hardy short, so you pretty much know what you’re getting. If you *don't* like Laurel and Hardy, or if you prefer your comedy ultra-modern and subtle, then, well, this isn't for you. But for anyone who appreciates a good old pratfall and some truly exasperated facial expressions, it’s a quick, delightful watch. 🤣

The whole thing kicks off with Stan and Ollie trying to peddle some homemade hooch during Prohibition. And, because it’s Stan and Ollie, they manage to offer it to a plainclothes policeman. Classic move. This lands them right in the big house, where the real fun, or rather, the real trouble, begins.

Prison life, for them, involves a very angry warden (played by Wilfred Lucas, who just has one of those faces made for yelling) and a cellmate with a serious cough. The gags are pretty straightforward. Lots of misunderstandings, physical comedy, and Stan just generally making things worse for poor Ollie. There's a scene where Ollie tries to get Stan to mimic a cough and it just goes completely off the rails. You can almost feel the moment where Ollie’s spirit just kinda... deflates.

One of the bits that really sticks out is when they're in the warden's office. Stan’s got this loose tooth, right? And it becomes this whole drawn-out thing. The sounds of him wiggling it, and then Oliver trying to help. It's not just a quick pull; it's a **whole ordeal**. The close-up on that tooth is kinda gross but also really funny in that specific Laurel and Hardy way. It’s the kind of thing that probably took a dozen takes to get just right, and it pays off.

Later, they end up in the prison's school for deaf inmates. This part is just wonderfully absurd. Stan and Ollie, trying to learn sign language, naturally misunderstand everything. It’s a great example of how their humor often comes from them being completely out of their depth in any situation. The way they try to communicate, and the complete chaos that results? Peak Laurel and Hardy.

There are some really specific moments, like when the warden is trying to be intimidating, but Stan just keeps doing something unintentionally disrespectful. Or the way Ollie gives Stan *the look*. You know the one. The exasperated stare that could melt steel. It happens a lot, and it never gets old.

The film doesn't really try to be anything more than it is: a vehicle for their unique brand of comedy. It's not deep. It's not trying to make a statement about the justice system or Prohibition. It's just two guys, trying to get by, and failing spectacularly in the most endearing way possible. The pacing feels a little different than modern films, with gags often lingering a beat longer than you expect, which adds to the charm. It gives you time to really soak in the absurdity.

Overall, Pardon Us is a solid entry in their filmography. It’s not their absolute masterpiece, but it’s a really strong one for early sound. It’s got all the classic elements that make them so beloved. If you've got twenty minutes and need a smile, give it a shot. You won't regret it.

Little things I noticed:

• The warden's mustache is just *perfectly* villainous.
• Stan's little giggle when he thinks he's getting away with something.
• The uniforms look surprisingly comfortable for prison garb.
• Oliver Hardy's patience is truly tested here, even more than usual!