Laurel and Hardy in Babes in Toyland (1934)

Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy star in one of my favorite holiday films, Babe in Toyland (affiliate link) or March of the Wooden Soldiers (1934).  It is normally shown around Thanksgiving.  This film features Stan Laurel as Stannie Dum and Oliver Hardy as Ollie Dee, who are trying to help Mother Peep, the little old women in the shoe.

Barnaby, the wicked money lender, is threatening Mother Peep with foreclosure on her shoe home.  Barnaby also has designs on Little Bo-Peep.  Little Bo-Peep is in love with Tom-Tom.  Stan and Ollie must earn money to help Mother Peep keep her home.

However, the toy maker fires them for breaking up his shop with the wooden soldiers.  Stan and Ollie must find a way to rescue Mother Peep and confront Barnaby to save Toyland.

Stan Laurel was born Arthur Stanley Jefferson on June 16, 1890 in Ulverston, Lancashire, England.  Stan acted in silent films for Hal Roach among other directors,   He was paired with Oliver Hardy in early talking short films.  Both men tasted their first real success as a team.  Stan was going to pursue directing and writing until he started teaming with Oliver Hardy.  They knew they struck gold.

Oliver Hardy was born Novell Hardy on January 18, 1892 in Harlem, Georgia.  Oliver was working in silent films, when he was injured.  He was paired with Stan Laurel after the accident.  Laurel and Hardy had a strong chemistry on and off the screen.  Unlike a lot of comedy teams, they were good friends off screen.  Stan and Oliver often vacationed together.  They would enjoy a fruitful 30 year partnership.

Stan Laurel was the work horse and comic genius.  He did almost all of the writing and directing for their films.  Oliver Hardy was happy to let his friend take the lead.  He would often play golf, while Stan edited and produced the final film product.

Oliver Hardy died on August 7, 1957 at the age of 65.  Stan would live until February 23, 1965, when he died at age of 74 due to a heart attack.  He refused to perform ever again without Hardy.  He never got over the loss of his good friend.

This film runs about 77 minutes.  It can be seen for free on Hulu.  If you watch this film, it will become one of your holiday favorites too.

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