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What is the movie Sons of the desert about?

Published in Classic Comedy Film 3 mins read

The classic 1933 comedy Sons of the Desert chronicles the hilarious misadventures of the iconic comedic duo Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, as they attempt to cleverly deceive their wives in order to attend a fraternal convention.

The Plot Unfolds

The film's central premise revolves around Stanley (Stan Laurel) and Ollie (Oliver Hardy) and their desire to attend the annual convention of their beloved fraternal organization, the "Sons of the Desert." However, Ollie's formidable wife, Lollie (Mae Busch), strictly forbids him from going.

To circumvent Lollie's objections, Ollie concocts a scheme to feign illness. Stanley, ever the loyal accomplice, further aids the deception by enlisting a doctor to prescribe a fake recuperative trip to Hawaii for Ollie. This elaborate ruse provides the perfect alibi for the duo to secretly attend the convention and indulge in the festivities with their lodge brothers.

The Deception Unravels

While Stanley and Ollie revel at the convention, enjoying their ill-gotten freedom, their intricate web of lies quickly begins to unravel. Upon their return home, they are confronted with shocking news: the ship they were supposedly on for the Hawaiian trip has tragically sunk in a typhoon. This unexpected turn of events throws the hapless pair into a desperate struggle to maintain their elaborate alibi and cover their tracks from their increasingly suspicious wives, leading to a series of escalating comedic mishaps and misunderstandings.

Key Elements and Themes

Sons of the Desert is celebrated for its masterful blend of slapstick humor, witty dialogue, and relatable domestic comedy. The film humorously explores several enduring themes:

  • Marital Deception: The lengths to which husbands might go to assert their independence from their wives, often with disastrous and comical results.
  • Fraternal Loyalty: The strong bonds of male camaraderie, even when it leads to complicity in elaborate schemes.
  • Consequences of Lies: The escalating absurdity and inevitable exposure that follow even the most well-intentioned deceptions.

Main Characters

The movie's enduring appeal is largely due to the chemistry and performances of its lead actors:

  • Stanley (Stan Laurel): The childlike and often bewildered half of the duo, whose simple ideas and actions frequently complicate Ollie's plans.
  • Ollie (Oliver Hardy): The pompous, easily exasperated leader who attempts to maintain an air of dignity despite constant failures and Stanley's bungling.
  • Lollie (Mae Busch): Ollie's stern and dominant wife, whose sharp wit and suspicious nature drive much of the film's conflict.

For more information about the film, you can visit its pages on IMDb or Turner Classic Movies.

Movie Snapshot

Aspect Description
Release Year 1933
Director William A. Seiter
Starring Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy, Mae Busch, Charley Chase, Dorothy Christy
Genre Comedy, Slapstick, Marital Farce
Runtime Approximately 64 minutes
Plot Driver Attending a convention against wives' wishes via elaborate deception
Key Conflict Maintaining a lie after an unexpected event (ship sinking)