The Bohemian Girl: Laurel and Hardy, but make it opera

Should you watch this?

Honestly, only if you are a massive Laurel and Hardy fan who needs to see every single frame they ever shot. If you are looking for a tight, funny film, keep walking. This is for the people who find comfort in the way Stan messes with his tie when he’s nervous.

If you hate operatic singing or plots that feel like they were written on the back of a napkin during a lunch break, you’re going to have a rough time. It’s a strange, disjointed affair that really struggles to decide if it wants to be a slapstick comedy or a serious musical.

The weird rhythm

The whole thing feels like it’s vibrating on a weird frequency. One minute, Oliver is trying to be a stern father figure, and the next, he’s getting into a physical fight that lasts way longer than it needs to. The pacing is totally busted.

There is a scene where Stanley is siphoning wine, and he ends up getting drunker than anyone has ever been on screen. It goes on for an eternity. I think I actually went to the kitchen to get a drink while he was still pouring the wine, and he was still at it when I got back.

Specific notes

• The singing is... fine, I guess? But it really grinds the comedy to a halt every time someone opens their mouth to belt out a tune.
• The whole plot about the stolen daughter feels like it belongs in a completely different movie, maybe something more like Sans famille.
• The chemistry between the two leads is the only thing keeping the boat afloat.
• There’s a moment with some ‘fingers’ hand-game that felt genuinely charming.

It’s not their best work. It’s not even their most interesting failure. But seeing them try to navigate a plot this clunky is almost its own kind of entertainment. It’s like watching two pros try to juggle with one hand tied behind their backs while the stage is slowly catching fire.

Don't expect the magic of their shorts. This is a big, bloated, musical experiment that rarely finds its footing. Still, if you want to see Stan Laurel look confused in a fancy costume, you’ve got your movie. 🎩