An evocative trip through the early days of cinema through the lives of my favourite Golden Age comedians. Stan and Ollie were both experienced silent actors before getting together - Stan a potential lead and Ollie a ubiquitous 'heavy'. It's Stan who comes across as the more complex and interesting character - son of a well-known comedian, understudy to Chaplin, consummate gag-writer, director and eccentric wife collector! A story of fascinating people told by a real fan.
(Clive Yelf - bwl 63 Winter 2011 ) |
