Our Relations (1936)

Interesting facts

Our Relations is a 1936 American comedy film directed by Harry Lachman starring Laurel and Hardy, produced by Stan Laurel for Hal Roach Studios.

Production

Our Relations is the third of three films in which they both play a dual role: the first was Brats (1930) and the second was Twice Two (1933). The story is based on the short story "The Money Box" by W.W. Jacobs, author of "The Monkey's Paw" (1902). However, "The Money Box" does not involve any twins. The film's central idea of two sets of twins being confused for each other was most famously used in Shakespeare's The Comedy of Errors (c. 1592).

A departure from the traditional Laurel and Hardy archetype is observed in Our Relations, as Stan and Ollie assume the roles of upstanding individuals, each with a spouse and stable employment, a departure from their typical portrayal as hapless yet endearing characters struggling to make ends meet.

While aboard the ship, Alf and Bert don seafaring attire, reflecting their occupation. Upon disembarking, they adopt civilian attire, complete with iconic derby hats, rendering them nearly indistinguishable from their brothers. Notably, a reversal in sartorial conventions is observed, with Alf adorned in the customary attire while Bert opts for a bowtie, a stark contrast to Stan and Ollie's respective attire.

The film is distinguished by the camera work of successful dramatic cinematographer Rudolph Maté (The Passion of Joan of Arc, 1928). The film was based on the story The Money Box by W.W. Jacobs. The story was adapted by Jack Jevne and Charley Rogers and the film written by Felix Adler and Richard Connell.

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