One Good Turn

[Angus McLaurel]

After their possessions are destroyed, the boys ask an old lady if they can work for her in exchange for some food. While in the kitchen they here the landlord threaten the old lady with eviction and vow to help.


One Good Turn` was made because of Stan`s daughter, Lois. She hated Ollie, the way he bullied Stan all the time and took a total dislike to him in real life. Stan promised Lois he would sort it out and so made this film so he could get his own back.

It`s not a bad film, there are a few good gags early on, like the scene with Stan setting fire to their tent, then trying to extinguish it with a small cup of water. There`s also a good few visual gags on the way too. Stan having difficulty opening a gate. (trying to open it inwards, when it`s outwards) and there`s a funny little scene when Ollie gets a very dusty doormat in his face.

I like the reaction to them both when Ollie knocks on the door and the roller blind goes berserk. they both panic and leg it.

OLLIE: Pardon the intrusion lady, but my friend and I are victims of the depression. We haven`t tasted food for three whole days
LADY: Fancy not eating for three whole days
STAN: Yes mam, Yesterday, today and tomorrow


More dialogue as Ollie orders Stan to chop the wood...

OLLIE: Well you suggested it, now you cut it
STAN: Well I don`t know anything about cutting wood
OLLIE: Well you ought to. You once told me your father was in the lumber business
STAN: I know he was, but it was only in a small way
OLLIE: What do you mean, `small way`?
STAN: Well, he used to sell toothpicks

There`s a good sequence in the kitchen as they prepare to make some coffee. Stan accidentally pours coffee over Ollie, who retaliates by scooping sugar and milk over Stan. Stan doesn`t mind too much, as he simply takes a spoon and stirs his pants.

OLLIE: One good turn deserves another
STAN: So do I neither

The film slows down a bit towards the end, with the next best gag being when they are trying to auction their car. As the bids reach $100 , someone asks Stan the time, he replies loudly with 1.25 and inadvertently buys the car.

It`s nice to Stan get his own back on Ollie at the end, as it is well deserved. Stan gives him a good kicking, followed by a garage on the head and several blocks of wood. Not a bad film. (7/10)

[mgm]

Stan walking through the stream to get water is typical Stan wisdom. They haven't eaten for 3 days (yesterday, today and tomorrow). Stan's father was in the lumber business (he sold toothpicks).I love Stan having the last word in the coffee pouring fight. Why doesn't the old lady tell the boys she's rehearsing a play.


The first appearance of Billy Gilbert as the drunk. I can't believe Ollie would react like he does when he finds the wallet. Stan doesn't mind being called most things but objects to being called a `you, you`. The car falls apart nicely doesn't it. It must be said Ollie gets all he deserves. Partly created to assure Lois Laurel that her dad could stand up to Ollie. This is a weak entry. Rating 4/10