Mr. Laurel and Mr. Hardy [Hardcover]

John McCabe (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 1961

John McCabe is an established writer on theater and the movies and a personal friend of Stan Laurel's widow. His delightful biography conveys the warmth and humor of the much-loved duo whose hilarious escapades convulsed a generation of movie-goers and have now won a new world-wide audience on the TV screen.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Remarkable ... positively miraculous... apart from the rather greedy wish for more of everything, it is difficult to see how this book could be improved upon.' --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

John McCabe is an established writer on theatre and cinema in America and a personal friend of Stan Laurel's widow, Ida. He remains eternally grateful to his lifelong friend, John Carroll, who dragged him, as a doubting child, to see his first Laurel and Hardy film. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Doubleday & Company, Inc.; 1st edition (1961)
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0007HDASK
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,656,940 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This Book gives a look into the work of Laurel & Hardy, October 12, 2003

By 

Kevin S.Butler (Mamaroneck,New York,USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mr. Laurel and Mr. Hardy (Hardcover)

In this first book that looks at the work of one of the movies'most beloved comedy teams.Prof(Now Dr.)John McCabe gives some insight into Laurel And Hardy's film work.As he explains the evolution of Stan Laurel's approach to comedy and methiods to creating and performing comedy skits.The Prof. also looks at the boyhood days of Oliver Norvell(Babe)Hardy and his unconventional approach to performing comedy and the development of his singing talent.

The book also looks at the team's vintage years at The Hal Roach Studios and their forgetable film series at Fox and MGM During the war years.It also recalls the team's successful performances at The Music Halls and Cabrets of Europe and Stan Laurel creating funny comedy skits and seeing the team's rebirth during the early days of tv.As he became an idol to many kids of the tv generation(Myself included).While the book doesn't go into great depth about the complete creation of the team's film work.It does show us all how L&H worked at creating and presenting their classic comedic characters and their approach to spoofing man's foilbels.And it shows us Prof.McCabe's love and admiration for both men and for their wives:Ida Laurel(Stan's fourth wife) and Lucille Hardy(Babe's third wife)and their love for their work and for life.If you ever wanted a book that shows a positive look into the physce of two funny and charming people? This is The One movie bio to have.Bravo Jack.Kevin S.Butler.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Good Primer, November 2, 2001

By 

Melody Sczarski (now rooted in the USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mr. Laurel and Mr. Hardy: An Affectionate Biography (Paperback)

This was the first book about everyone's favourite comedy couple. I recently read it for the fourth or fifth time and felt inspired to recommend it at Amazon. McCabe interviewed both comics and knew Laurel for years. As an overview and appreciation of the Laurel and Hardy career this is still the best book to start with. Those more seriously interested will find a number of excellent books on the subject written in more recent years. I recommend 'Mr Laurel and Mr Hardy' enthusiastically to all fans.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Buy this book, January 9, 2003

By 

Peter Stines (Anahuac, Texas USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mr. Laurel and Mr. Hardy: An Affectionate Biography (Paperback)

Laurel & Hardy fans will love this book. I certainly did. The warmth and affection that John McCabe had for both Stan and Ollie comes through on every page. While the focus is more on Laurel, Hardy comes off well in the chapters devoted to him.
I wish there had been more pictures, but the text more than made up for it. Don't be surprised if you find yourself whistling the "cukoo song" while reading this book. The "boys" are gone, but the laughter they created is still with us, unlike the current crop of "comedians".