35 Years Together: Understanding Each Other's Feelings

The “Gokuraku Combi,” Laurel and Hardy, were formed in 1926. Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, who had been working separately until then, were brought together as a duo at the suggestion of Hollywood producer Hal Roach. From then on, they were on a fast track to stardom. Even as films transitioned to sound, they maintained their star status by incorporating songs and wordplay into their signature pantomime-style gag comedy.

Over a decade after their golden age, in 1953. With no more work in the spotlight, they had become figures of the past. They embarked on a UK tour hoping to bring laughter to people once more, but they were met with rundown hotels, seedy theaters, and empty seats. They were forced to confront their current reality. Adding to their troubles, Stan and Oliver harbored anxieties, including ill health and secrets they kept from each other. Furthermore, unresolved past grievances threatened to break up the duo on their 35th anniversary.


One of the lingering issues between them was an incident years prior where Oliver, unable to work with Stan due to contract issues, starred in a film with another partner. Stan had never forgiven him, and at one point, accused him, "It was a betrayal. You trampled on our friendship." Oliver, in turn, coldly retorted that they were merely professional colleagues and "You are not my friend."

Indeed, the two were a duo put together by Roach; they weren't friends. While their chemistry was perfect, they were strictly colleagues. As you know, trouble is common in duos and groups. Fans are free to idealize them as best friends, but the reality is that they are often not. Camaraderie and friendship are distinct, and this was true for Laurel and Hardy as well. The line between work and private life might have been clearer in Western cultures. However, when they realized the profound importance of each other – the "I couldn't do it without you" sentiment – their relationship began to change. Feelings for each other are often most keenly felt not during their peak, but during tougher times.

What's depicted here is the process of friendship and trust, built over many years, blossoming into love. While the duo was known as Laurel and Hardy, the original title was 'Stan & Ollie,' taking their first names. This, then, is the story of the two men behind the personas we thought we knew. They are a miraculous pair, bound by an extraordinary affection that we idealize. What, then, is the last stage they face? Their final show, seen through the lens of their backstage lives, is deeply moving. We hope you will savor the beautiful camaraderie of these legendary stars who shaped the golden age of cinema.



★★★★☆
A film brimming with love for cinema, it pays homage to "legend" while vividly portraying the human flaws and professionalism of these stars.

'Our Last Stage'
Starring: Steve Coogan, John C. Reilly, Nina Arianda, Shirley Henderson, Rufus Jones, Danny Huston, and others
Produced by: Faye Ward
Directed by: John S. Baird
Screenplay by: Jeff Pope
2018 / UK, Canada, USA / English / Color / Scope / DCP 5.1ch / 98 min
Distributed by: HIGH BROW CINEMA
© eOne Features (S&O) Limited, British Broadcasting Corporation 2018
Opening April 19 (Fri) at Shinjuku Piccadilly and other theaters nationwide
laststage-movie.com

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