The Bullfighters

1945 film by Malcolm St. Clair, Stan Laurel

The Bullfighters is the penultimate feature film starring Laurel and Hardy, the sixth and final film the duo made under 20th Century Fox as well as the last released in the United States.

Private detectives Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy embark on a journey from their native Peoria, Illinois to Mexico City with the intent of apprehending the notorious criminal Hattie Blake, widely recognized as "Larceny Nell". Meanwhile, American sports promoter Richard K. Muldoon encounters his associate "Hot Shot" Coleman to discuss an upcoming bullfight featuring the esteemed Spanish matador Don Sebastian. However, Muldoon's anger is ignited upon seeing photographs of Don Sebastian, who bears an uncanny resemblance to Laurel. Muldoon's resentment towards Laurel and Hardy stems from a past incident in Peoria, where their testimony led to Muldoon's wrongful conviction and subsequent loss of livelihood and reputation. As Laurel and Hardy confront Blake in pursuit of justice, she eludes capture and snatches the extradition papers. Their encounter coincides with Muldoon's discovery of Laurel's resemblance to Don Sebastian, prompting Hot Shot to coerce Laurel into impersonating the bullfighter to salvage the impending event. Reluctantly, Laurel complies under the threat of exposure to Muldoon, with the assurance of a handsome reward. Unforeseen circumstances compel Laurel to face the bulls in the ring despite his initial reluctance and inebriation. However, the real Don Sebastian unexpectedly arrives, leading to a chaotic series of events during the bullfight. Muldoon, recognizing Laurel and incensed by his past injustice, instigates pandemonium in the arena. In a frenzy, Muldoon unleashes every bull, endangering the lives of all present. Laurel and Hardy attempt to flee, only to discover Muldoon hiding in their closet, seeking revenge with a knife. Fulfilling his vow, Muldoon subjects Laurel and Hardy to a symbolic punishment, leaving them with only their heads intact. In the aftermath, Hardy laments their predicament with his iconic catchphrase, prompting a decision to return to their hometown of Peoria, where they feel they truly belong.

Laurel wrote and directed portions of the feature., which was produced in late 1944 and released in May 1945. The revenge plot was reworked from their short film Going Bye Bye! (1934), and a tit for tat egg breaking sequence was reprised from the MGM all star feature Hollywood Party, in which the team appeared in guest roles. This was Laurel and Hardy's last American film and also the film debut of Frank McCown, who later became famous as Rory Calhoun. Laurel and Hardy were scheduled to make another film for 20th Century Fox in the spring of 1945, but the studio discontinued all B picture production at the end of 1944 and closed the Laurel and Hardy unit. When The Bullfighters became a hit, the studio offered to reopen the entire B department just for Laurel and Hardy, but the comedians declined. Thus, The Bullfighters turned out to be Laurel & Hardy's final American film. (Their final film, Atoll K, was produced in France in 1950–51.)