Jitterbugs (1943)

Jitterbugs (1943)

“I just love the way you show people carry on.”

Synopsis:
A pair of well-meaning jazz musicians (Oliver Hardy and Stan Laurel) team up with a con-artist (Robert Bailey) to help a singer (Vivian Blaine) recover money stolen from her wealthy mother.

Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:

  • Comedy
  • Con-Artists
  • Laurel and Hardy Films
  • Mistaken Identities

Review:
Jitterbugs is the last Laurel and Hardy film included in Peary’s book, and while it’s not one of their must-see films, it remains a reasonably enjoyable tale of mistaken identities and double-crossing cons. Unlike many of the L&H titles listed in GFTFF, this film has a clear and fairly engaging storyline, moving quickly through its 75 minutes; even the incorporation of a few musical numbers (including an opening ditty by the boys as they play their two-man band, and several songs by Blaine) feels natural rather than bringing things to a halt. Watch for Laurel in drag, and Hardy convincingly portraying a womanizing southern colonel.

Redeeming Qualities and Moments:

  • A reasonably entertaining long-con storyline

Must See?
No, though Laurel and Hardy fans won’t want to miss this one.

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One thought on “Jitterbugs (1943)

  1. First viewing – not must-see.

    Here we go again – another example of dated L&H humor. Those who prefer their entertainment very very very…very light may find some diversion (but it’s doubtful). The addition of more of a real plot (including a few lackluster songs) does little to help.

    It’s unfortunate that time has not been kind to most L&H films – but a few of them (as noted elsewhere) have retained some value.

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