STAN & OLLIE 4:30, 8:30
In 1953, Stan Laurel and Oliver hardy are in the twilight of their career together, unable to get work in Hollywood, and set out on a tour of seedy British variety halls. Despite their waning powers, the charm and beauty of their performances shine through, and they reconnect with their adoring fans, turning the tour into a surprise hit. But the pair can’t shake the specter of their past; the long-buried ghosts, coupled with Hardy’s failing health, start to threaten their precious partnership. The duo are magnificently embodied by Steve Coogan as Stan and John C. Reilly as Ollie. Written by Jeff Pope (Philomena) and directed by Jon S. Baird. (2018, 98 min, DCP)
SONS OF THE DESERT 6:30 NEW RESTORATION!
To attend a convention in Chicago of their fraternal organization, the Sons of the Desert, Stan and Ollie lie to their wives—but their cover story soon falls apart. Laurel and Hardy fans adopted the name of this feature for their organization, and many would cite it as the duo’s best; it was selected for preservation in the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry in 2012. Co-starring Charley Chase. (1933, 65 min, DCP)
Program includes the following newly restored shorts:
“Hog Wild” In this terrific short, Laurel and Hardy struggle mightily to install a radio antenna on the roof of Ollie’s house. (1930, 19 min, DCP)
“Brats” This hilarious short features Stan and Ollie in dual roles - as adults hoping to spend a quiet evening playing checkers, and as the mischievous kids who make that impossible. First time shown with the original Vitaphone soundtrack in more than 80 years! (1930, 21 min, DCP)