There are few names in comedy with staying power like that of Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. Not all their pictures are equal, but at their best they're wonderfully funny, and with rare exception, in the very least we can be assured of keeping a glad smile on our face while watching. This 1936 feature, I'm happy to say, is no exception, for much like contemporaries such as Buster Keaton, Harold Lloyd, or The Three Stooges, we're treated to a steady stream of gags, physical comedy, situational humor, and witty dialogue to keep the fun moving. To this add further flavors of song and dance that are both splendid in and of themselves, not to mention the unfailing chemistry of the stars as scene partners. Frankly it also speaks well of 'The Bohemian girl' that it was accordingly banned in Nazi Germany for its depiction of Roma. It's fair to wonder how this stacks up compared to some of the duo's other films, but one way or another it's a joyful classic that overall holds up very well!
To all the hearty entertainment add outstanding, detailed sets and costume design, and lovely hair and makeup work. Those stunts and effects that are employed as part of the shenanigans come off great, and some bits herein are especially silly. The supporting cast is just as terrific in feeding into the ridiculousness, largely keeping the same energy as Laurel and Hardy, and between producer Hal Roach, directors James W. Horne and Charles Rogers, and the script of Frank Butler, a spirited, mirthful vitality reliably dominates these seventy minutes. One might also note that the title boasts strong production values, and even almost ninety years later the sound design and cinematography result in an audiovisual presentation that doesn't miss a bit - especially important for the use of some sound effects, and in capturing all the marvelous details laid before us. Everything here rather looks and sounds fantastic as the movie serves up a bounty of laughs and otherwise amusement.
This isn't to say that 'The Bohemian girl' is perfect. While overall it offers a more sympathetic, positive portrayal of Roma, the picture still trades in stereotypes, and it's mostly an improvement just insofar as it doesn't outright demonize a people and culture. (Please note an ableist gag, too.) Even putting this aside - it's no specific fault of this production, as language has changed in the past several decades and society has grown, but all the same the script makes use of terms to describe Roma that's now outdated, and considered to be a slur. I would also argue that the plot hinges in part on on a bit of writing that stretches suspension of disbelief desperately thin, making assumptions about a child's intelligence that is simply a step too far. And even if we generously disregard these matters, I think the feature struggles a bit with tone. The moments of song and dance are swell, but do slow things down a bit, there are passing notes here of drama or even horror that are ill-fitting with the rest of what we see.
Still, even with these faults and imperfections in mind, overall the film is highly enjoyable. It may indeed rank slightly lower compared to some of Laurel and Hardy's other full-length efforts, but that's not necessarily a major statement considering the superb quality of the likes of 'Saps at sea' or 'Pack up your troubles.' Though it may not be pristine, more than not this is still a good time, and at its best it handily recalls its betters. Unless you're a completionist or a diehard fan of the comedy icons I don't think I'd call this a must-see, but however you look at it, warts and all 'The Bohemian girl' is fun, and worth checking out.
To all the hearty entertainment add outstanding, detailed sets and costume design, and lovely hair and makeup work. Those stunts and effects that are employed as part of the shenanigans come off great, and some bits herein are especially silly. The supporting cast is just as terrific in feeding into the ridiculousness, largely keeping the same energy as Laurel and Hardy, and between producer Hal Roach, directors James W. Horne and Charles Rogers, and the script of Frank Butler, a spirited, mirthful vitality reliably dominates these seventy minutes. One might also note that the title boasts strong production values, and even almost ninety years later the sound design and cinematography result in an audiovisual presentation that doesn't miss a bit - especially important for the use of some sound effects, and in capturing all the marvelous details laid before us. Everything here rather looks and sounds fantastic as the movie serves up a bounty of laughs and otherwise amusement.
This isn't to say that 'The Bohemian girl' is perfect. While overall it offers a more sympathetic, positive portrayal of Roma, the picture still trades in stereotypes, and it's mostly an improvement just insofar as it doesn't outright demonize a people and culture. (Please note an ableist gag, too.) Even putting this aside - it's no specific fault of this production, as language has changed in the past several decades and society has grown, but all the same the script makes use of terms to describe Roma that's now outdated, and considered to be a slur. I would also argue that the plot hinges in part on on a bit of writing that stretches suspension of disbelief desperately thin, making assumptions about a child's intelligence that is simply a step too far. And even if we generously disregard these matters, I think the feature struggles a bit with tone. The moments of song and dance are swell, but do slow things down a bit, there are passing notes here of drama or even horror that are ill-fitting with the rest of what we see.
Still, even with these faults and imperfections in mind, overall the film is highly enjoyable. It may indeed rank slightly lower compared to some of Laurel and Hardy's other full-length efforts, but that's not necessarily a major statement considering the superb quality of the likes of 'Saps at sea' or 'Pack up your troubles.' Though it may not be pristine, more than not this is still a good time, and at its best it handily recalls its betters. Unless you're a completionist or a diehard fan of the comedy icons I don't think I'd call this a must-see, but however you look at it, warts and all 'The Bohemian girl' is fun, and worth checking out.