THE FLYING DEUCES

Cinemavixion Review

Laurel and Hardy's signature slapstick and endearing incompetence shine through in 'The Flying Deuces' (1939), a delightful entry from their Hal Roach era. Directed by A. Edward Sutherland, the film sees the iconic duo enlist in the French Foreign Legion in a misguided attempt to mend Ollie's broken heart. What follows is a chaotic cascade of misunderstandings and mishaps, from botched laundry duties to a hilariously inept escape by airplane. The plot, while thin, serves as a perfect vehicle for their physical comedy and the unique chemistry that made them legends. The film is replete with classic Laurel and Hardy gags, including the memorable running gag involving Ollie's wish to be reborn as a horse, culminating in a wonderfully absurd final scene. While not their most critically acclaimed work, 'The Flying Deuces' offers a generous dose of laughter and remains a testament to the duo's enduring appeal, earning a respectable 83% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 6.7/10 on IMDb, cementing its place as a beloved comedy classic.