Habeas Corpus (1928 film)

1928 short film by Ray McCarey and James Parrott

Habeas Corpus is a silent short subject co directed by Leo McCarey and James Parrott starring comedy duo Laurel and Hardy. It was released by Metro Goldwyn Mayer on December 1, 1928

A mad scientist named Professor Padilla captures the attention of law enforcement agencies with his nefarious intentions, particularly his plan to conduct a medical experiment using a deceased body. During a mealtime discussion revolving around the theory of the human brain's structure, Professor Padilla's residence is unexpectedly visited by Stan and Ollie, who coincidentally seek sustenance. Capitalizing on the moment, the professor offers the duo $500 to procure a cadaver from a nearby cemetery, a proposition met with initial incredulity but ultimately accepted by Stan and Ollie. Unbeknownst to them, the professor's butler, Ledoux, eavesdrops on their conversation and promptly alerts the authorities. Acting on this information, the police apprehend the professor. Simultaneously, Stan and Ollie's endeavors at the cemetery unfold in a series of unwitting missteps as they attempt to access the premises and unearth a fresh grave. Meanwhile, Ledoux, disguised within a white sack, clandestinely infiltrates the grave. When Stan and Ollie retrieve what they believe to be the pilfered corpse, Ledoux's presence is revealed as his legs protrude through the sack. Realizing their mistake, Stan and Ollie flee in a panic, ultimately culminating in Ollie and Ledoux's descent into a deep, water filled pit.

Habeas Corpus was filmed on July 16–24 and 30–31, 1928. Although technically a silent film — having intertitles and no synchronized dialogue — it was the inaugural Hal Roach film released with a synchronized music and sounds effects track for theatres wired for sound. The concept of men trolling through a cemetery with a dead body was reworked by The Three Stooges in Three Pests in a Mess (1945).

Horror film author Christopher Workman commented, "One sequence involving the comedy team's attempts to get over the graveyard wall takes up entirely too much running time and mires the proceedings in excessive tedium. Comedic incidents accumulate until the film has reached the requisite running time".