This is a very odd silent film, as the main theme of this Laurel and Hardy film is music! They are dim-witted musicians who are ruining a production. The first gag involves the boys standing while everyone is sitting and vice-versa. It isn't funny nor are the subsequent jokes where their instruments fall apart and they ultimately knock over the rest of the band. However, once they are fired, the short kicks into higher gear, as Stan and Ollie are in more familiar territory as they are trying to earn a few bucks playing tunes on the street corners (such as in BELOW ZERO). Plus, in the last few minutes, the film REALLY gets exciting when Stan and Ollie get into a fight. This isn't much like their later characters, but it is very funny, as their fight gets more and more serious and ultimately involves a large group of men hitting and kicking and ripping the pants off each other. This and the final gag make this a very good short--just try to wade through the dull opening sequence.
Review of You're Darn Tootin'
