Laurel & Hardy would have odd moments in their films that suggested bleakness or pathos without labouring the point; and 'Pack Up Your Troubles' is the film that most sustains such a quality throughout (including Marvin Hatley's melancholy few bars of the title song that punctuate the film), juggling frequent side-splitting moments of vintage L. & H. slapstick.
Much of the pathos derives from the presence of the extremely cute Jacquie Lyn who seems to take in her stride some very bizarre situations. One of the factors that keep you smiling are the lineup of familiar faces from other Laurel & Hardy films of the same vintage, most of them on good form; plus a hilarious uncredited cameo from co-director George Marshall as a crazed army cook.
Much of the pathos derives from the presence of the extremely cute Jacquie Lyn who seems to take in her stride some very bizarre situations. One of the factors that keep you smiling are the lineup of familiar faces from other Laurel & Hardy films of the same vintage, most of them on good form; plus a hilarious uncredited cameo from co-director George Marshall as a crazed army cook.