 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. Please help to improve this article by introducing more precise citations. (March 2013) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
| Night Owls | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | James Parrott |
| Written by | H.M. Walker |
| Produced by | Hal Roach |
| Starring | Stan Laurel Oliver Hardy Edgar Kennedy James Finlayson |
| Cinematography | George Stevens |
| Edited by | Richard C. Currier |
| Music by | Marvin Hatley |
| Distributed by | Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer DIC Entertainment (1990 re-release) |
| Release date |
|
| Running time | 20:44 (English) 36:06 (Spanish) |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Night Owls is a 1930 American Pre-Code Laurel and Hardy short film. It was filmed in October and November 1929, and released January 4, 1930.
Plot
Police officer Edgar Kennedy finds himself under pressure from his police chief to address a surge in burglaries within his jurisdiction or face dismissal from his position. Seeking a solution to appease his superior, Kennedy encounters vagrants Laurel and Hardy and devises a scheme to stage a burglary at the chief's residence in a bid to curry favor.
Initially hesitant due to the perceived risk, Laurel and Hardy are coerced into the plan by Kennedy's threats of severe punishment. Assured by Kennedy that he will ensure their release upon apprehension, the duo reluctantly agrees to participate. However, their endeavor is beset by numerous obstacles and complications.
Ultimately, as the plot unfolds, the chief discovers Kennedy in possession of stolen items within his own home, leading to the unraveling of the deceitful scheme. Despite encountering various challenges along the way, Laurel and Hardy manage to evade capture, escaping the predicament unscathed.
Cast
- Stan Laurel as Stan Laurel
- Oliver Hardy as Oliver "Ollie" Hardy
- Edgar Kennedy as Officer Kennedy
- James Finlayson as Butler Meadows
- Anders Randolf as the Police Captain
Production
This was the first film to use their celebrated theme tune, "The 'Ku-Ku' Song", written by Marvin Hatley. The Film Classics reissue print features the instrumental version of Marvin Hatley's "Honolulu Baby" from the Sons of the Desert soundtrack in place of "The 'Ku-Ku' Song."
International versions
The film was also released in an alternate Spanish version, Ladrones, expanded to nearly four reels in length instead of the English two reels. The film was also released in an Italian version, Ladroni, and in an Esperanto version Ŝtelistoj, which are both now lost. The foreign versions retained not only the headliners, but Edgar Kennedy and James Finlayson as well. The English and Spanish versions are available on DVD.
References
- ^ "Variety's Bulletin Condensed". Variety. Vol. C, no. 4. August 6, 1930. p. 28. Retrieved August 9, 2019.
- "Garbo's KISS May Set Foreign System". Variety. Vol. XCVIII, no. 8. March 5, 1930. p. 5. Retrieved August 9, 2019.
- Schallert, Edwin; Schallert, Elza (May 1930). "Hollywood High Lights". Picture Play Magazine. Vol. XXXII, no. 3. Street & Smith Publications. p. 53. Retrieved August 9, 2019.
- Schallert, Edwin; Schallert, Elza (February 1930). "Hollywood High Lights". Picture Play Magazine. Vol. XXXI, no. 6. Street & Smith Publications. p. 94. Retrieved August 9, 2019.
External links
- Night Owls at IMDb
- Night Owls at the TCM Movie Database
- Night Owls at Rotten Tomatoes
| Films directed by James Parrott | |
|---|---|
|
- 1930 films
- 1930 comedy films
- 1930 short films
- 1930s American films
- 1930s English-language films
- American black-and-white films
- American comedy short films
- English-language comedy short films
- Films directed by James Parrott
- Films scored by Marvin Hatley
- Films with screenplays by H. M. Walker
- Laurel and Hardy (film series)
- Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer short films