One Good Turn (1931)
Directed by James W. Horne

Film Review

Laurel and Hardy are at their near-best in this classic two-reeler which includes some of the duo's funniest lines and visual gags.  The film has more plot than most of their shorts but this doesn't get in the way of the jokes.  For once, the boot ends up being on Stanley's foot when the boys come to blows (as they inevitably do when things go awry).  Now it is poor Ollie who, deservedly, is on the receiving end as his buddy shows an uncharacteristic streak of vengeful anger.  One Good Turn is aptly named and proves to be a rare comedy delight.

Film Synopsis

During the Great Depression, Stan and Ollie's worldly possessions amount to no more than a clapped out old car, a tent and the clothes they stand up in.  Having burned their supper and their tent, the boy are forced to go begging.  A kind old lady takes pity on them and offers them sandwiches in her house.  As they tuck into this feast, the boys overhear a conversation in which the old lady is threatened with eviction by her landlord.  Unaware that what they have just heard is merely a rehearsal for an amateur play, Stan and Ollie decide to come to the old woman's aid, by selling their car to the highest bidder.  During the auction, a man accidentally slips his wallet into Stan's pocket.  When Ollie sees the wallet, he naturally assumes Stan stole it from their kind benefactor...