This book was a godsend when first published in 1975; the advent of home video has rendered it somewhat obsolete. Each L&H film is presented with several still photos accompanied by running text detailing the plot. During an era when the average fan did not have immediate access to the films, it was the next-best thing. It remains, however, a valuable resource for newcomers to the world of Stan and Ollie, offering details and star ratings for films with which they might otherwise not be familiar. McCabe's running history of the team is also of worth, with in-depth analyses of the team's trademarks (the camera look, the tie twiddle, Stan's crying, etc.) and a brief history of the Sons of the Desert organization. The introduction to the book, which consists of various celebrities' thoughts on Laurel & Hardy, is also enjoyable. A handsome coffee-table volume, it has been sold at bargain prices in recent years. As such, it's a worthy addition to a Laurel & Hardy library, even if you own all the films and wind up leafing through it just to look at the pictures. - JL
Copyright © John Larrabee, John V. Brennan 2003. All Rights Reserved.
