Unaccustomed As We Are

1929 short film by Lewis R. Foster

Unaccustomed As We Are is the first sound film comedy starring Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, released on May 4, 1929. The title, Unaccustomed As We Are , was a spoofing reference to the fact that its two stars had never before spoken in their films. And in point of fact, although it was a film with dialogue, the soundtrack mostly carried music, and sound effects, with dialogue a long way third. In case the Talkies did not prove popular, and in order to be released in theatres which had not yet been converted for sound, Hal Roach hedged his bets by releasing it in both the new All Talking format and in Silent format (in the latter case, with intertitles carrying the dialogue). As with the Laurel and Hardy silent films, visual gags remained the heart and soul of the picture: the characters were certainly talking, but the comedy was not yet in the dialogue, the film still relied entirely on sight gags for its laughs.

Ollie extends a cordial invitation to Stan for dinner, tempting him with promises of a sumptuous feast comprising steak, mushroom sauce, strawberries, whipped cream, coffee, and a cigar. Stan, however, remains characteristically cautious, inquiring about the inclusion of nuts in the meal. Upon their arrival, they encounter Mrs. Hardy, whose reception of the unexpected guests is less than warm, prompting her abrupt departure in a state of irritation. Neighbor Mrs. Kennedy offers assistance with dinner preparations, inadvertently leading to a mishap that sets her dress ablaze. To conceal Mrs. Kennedy's predicament, Stan and Ollie hastily stow her in a trunk. Subsequently, Mrs. Hardy extends an olive branch to Oliver, bearing nuts as a peace offering for Stan. However, tensions escalate when Oliver announces his intent to depart for South America, culminating in a heated exchange between husband and wife. The commotion draws the attention of Mr. Kennedy, a police officer, who becomes embroiled in the domestic dispute. Amidst the chaos, Mr. Kennedy inadvertently discovers Mrs. Kennedy concealed in the trunk and discerns the true nature of the situation. Employing a subtle approach, he orchestrates a scheme to diffuse the conflict, instructing the boys to transport the trunk to his apartment. Meanwhile, within the Kennedys' abode, a tempestuous confrontation unfolds between the spouses, underscored by Mrs. Kennedy's righteous indignation. As the tumult subsides, a battered Mr. Kennedy emerges and, in a fit of retribution, subjects Ollie to physical reprimand. However, his intentions to similarly chastise Stan are interrupted by his wife's intervention, wielding a formidable vase to administer her own form of justice. Meanwhile, Stan, seemingly unfazed, departs nonchalantly, only to meet an ignominious fate as he inadvertently tumbles down a flight of stairs, leaving Ollie to wince in sympathetic discomfort.

Unaccustomed As We Are is notable for being Laurel and Hardy's first sound film as well as the first all talkie short film by Hal Roach (the title was drawn from the popular cliché "Unaccustomed as I am to public speaking "). The soundtrack was lost for 50 years until it was traced on disc in the late 1970s. A silent version, with intertitles, was also released, as well as a Victor disc International Sound Version (featuring a synchronized music score and sound effects). Edgar Kennedy appeared in numerous Laurel and Hardy films, almost always playing a cop or other authority figure, and when named on screen his character almost invariably as here used his real name.