Double Whoopee – Slapstick That Tastes Like Childhood Lingonberry Jam

Alright, let’s get right to it – Double Whoopee is one of those Laurel and Hardy shorts that just crack you up, even when it’s sunny outside and you’d rather be grilling korv on the balcony. Released in 1929, this is silent comedy at its giddy best, directed by the reliable Lewis Foster. What amazes me is how these two blokes, Stan Laurel (all wide-eyed innocence) and Oliver Hardy (forever exasperated), manage to get themselves into utter chaos in what’s basically just a fancy hotel lobby.

You get a young Jean Harlow here in a tiny role – not quite iconic yet, but already with that vibe, you know? I always get a laugh when watching these old shorts with my mormor, who used to call Hardy “den svenska drömmannen” mainly for his round face and impeccable ‘tash. Fast forward to me at 12, watching this late on a VHS that my uncle mailed from Umeå, while munching on Polly candy, trying not to wake up the rest of the house with giggles.

Now, I’m not gonna lie: sometimes I get a bit tired of the endless pratfalls – by the 14th slip, I start thinking about my own dodgy knees. The elevator gag is classic, but almost gives me flashbacks to that time in Lund when I got stuck in a hiss wearing a way-too-tight tux.

But you gotta admire how the timing still snaps like cold winter air, considering this thing’s nearly 100 years old. Sure, it’s proper old-school stuff, but what’s more Swedish than finding ridiculousness in ordinary places? If you’re up for some unpretentious silly business, pop on Double Whoopee – maybe with a tub of fil or some salty snacks. Sometimes you just need a little nonsense to shake off the day, ja?

watch the full movie on Mavshack Movies on YouTube

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