Below Zero (1930 film)

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Below Zero
Directed byJames Parrott
Written byH.M. Walker
Produced byHal Roach
StarringStan Laurel
Oliver Hardy
CinematographyGeorge Stevens
Edited byRichard C. Currier
Distributed byMetro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Release date
  • April 26, 1930 (1930-04-26)
Running time
20:36 (English)
28:19 (Spanish)
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Below Zero is a 1930 short film starring Laurel and Hardy, directed by James Parrott and produced by Hal Roach.

Plot[edit]

On a wintry day, Laurel and Hardy's attempts to earn money as street musicians prove futile, exacerbated by their unwitting performance in front of an Institute for the Deaf. Their renditions, including the nostalgic melody "In the Good Old Summertime," elicit little response from passersby. Their persistence prompts annoyance from a sidewalk shoveler and earns them a dismissive dollar from a woman, who jestingly calls out to "Mr. Whiteman," referencing bandleader Paul Whiteman due to Oliver's resemblance to a double bassist.

Amidst their misfortune, a quarrel with a woman leads to the destruction of their instruments, but a stroke of luck ensues when Stan discovers a wallet. Their brief respite is interrupted by a thief, prompting a chase until they encounter a benevolent police officer who intervenes on their behalf. Grateful for his assistance, Stan and Ollie share a meal with the officer, only to realize to their dismay that the wallet belongs to him.

Upon discovering the truth, the officer's mood sours, leading to their expulsion from the restaurant. Stan's misfortune is further compounded when he is submerged upside down in a barrel of water by the irate waiter. Oliver eventually finds him, but their troubles persist as Stan's unintended consumption of the water results in an unexpected physical transformation, symbolized by his inflated stomach.

Cast[edit]

Name Role
Stan Laurel --- Stan
Oliver Hardy --- Ollie
Uncredited
Bobby Burns --- 'blind' man / deadbeat diner
Baldwin Cooke --- man at window
Kay Deslys --- woman at window
Charlie Hall --- annoyed shopkeeper throwing snowball
Jack Hill --- busboy
Frank Holliday --- policeman
Charles McMurphy --- extra at restaurant
Bob O'Connor --- extra at restaurant
Retta Palmer --- woman leaving window
Blanche Payson --- formidable woman
Tiny Sandford --- Pete
Charles Sullivan --- extra at restaurant
Lyle Tayo --- woman at window tossing Stan & Ollie a dollar
Leo Willis --- crook

[1]

Spanish version[edit]

An extended Spanish version, Tiembla Y Titubea was also produced with Laurel and Hardy speaking phonetically from blackboards placed just out of camera range; Spanish-speaking actors replacing the English speaking supporting players.

References[edit]

External links[edit]