Rating: 
Summary: One of the best books ever about Stan & Ollie--a must-have!
Review: This book is not only a labor of love, it is a meticulously researched and beautifully written account of the careers of Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy in the latter stages of their careers. Because their later film work at Twentieth Century-Fox and MGM was largely produced without their creative input, previous authors have deliberately downplayed or ignored these films in favor of their Hal Roach classics. Scott MacGillivray corrects these oversights with the most comprehensive and exhaustive study of these films that we'll ever see. Scott had access to Stan Laurel's personal documents, as well as studio records that have never seen light of day before. The rare photos are incredible, as are the eye-popping quotes from Laurel & Hardy's family, friends and co-workers. Best of all, the entire book is a sheer delight to read, and would make an excellent gift for anybody who has ever enjoyed the incredible talent of The Boys. Buy it for yourself, buy it for your friends, do it now and you won't regret it (yes, I put my money where my mouth is--I already purchased copies for my friends as gifts)!
Rating: 
Summary: Laurel & Hardy: From the Forties Forward
Review: This book is OK. There is plently of good information regarding Laurel & Hardy's later work. However, the argument that their movies during this time are "surprisingly good" is not a solid argument. After Laurel and Hardy left Hal Roach, their films were mediocre. That can not be disputed. The big studios destroyed the Stan and Ollie characters, much the same as Buster Keaton's screen character and the post-Thalberg Marx Brothers characters were destroyed. MGM had a hand in all three travesties.
Rating:
Summary: Laurel & Hardy: From the Forties Forward
Review: This book is OK. There is plently of good information regarding Laurel & Hardy's later work. However, the argument that their movies during this time are "surprisingly good" is not a solid argument. After Laurel and Hardy left Hal Roach, their films were mediocre. That can not be disputed. The big studios destroyed the Stan and Ollie characters, much the same as Buster Keaton's screen character and the post-Thalberg Marx Brothers characters were destroyed. MGM had a hand in all three travesties.
Rating:
Summary: New L&H book is worth looking 'Forward' to
Review: When I read Randy Skretvedt's "Laurel and Hardy: The Magic Behind the Movies" (and interviewed its author for a local newspaper), it seemed as though everything left to say about L&H had now been said. Now comes this exhaustive and highly readable account of L&H's much-maligned studio-system movies of the 1940's, as well as Robert Youngson's 1950's compilation movies and the many TV-edited versions of L&H's classic shorts. A welcome addition to any L&H library.
Rating:
Summary: An essential book on L&H. Buy it!
Review: `Laurel & Hardy: From The Forties Forward` is a fasinating and detailed appreciation of Stan and Ollie's later career, an area which has hitherto been unjustly neglected. While generally not up to the standard of their classic Roach films, the Boys' Fox and MGM features are well worth a re- evaluation as there is much to delight and entertain. Although much has been published - in several languages - about Laurel & Hardy, author and film researcher Scott MacGillivray has discovered a wealth of new information about these much-loved giants of the silver screen and the book is generously illustrated with rare photographs. No Laurel & Hardy enthusiast or film buff should be without this book. Buy it!Alison Grimmer Co-Editor, `The Intra-Tent Journal` - official newsletter of Sons of the Desert, the world-wide Laurel & Hardy appreciation society
Rating:
Summary: An essential book on L&H. Buy it!
Review: `Laurel & Hardy: From The Forties Forward` is a fasinating and detailed appreciation of Stan and Ollie's later career, an area which has hitherto been unjustly neglected. While generally not up to the standard of their classic Roach films, the Boys' Fox and MGM features are well worth a re- evaluation as there is much to delight and entertain. Although much has been published - in several languages - about Laurel & Hardy, author and film researcher Scott MacGillivray has discovered a wealth of new information about these much-loved giants of the silver screen and the book is generously illustrated with rare photographs. No Laurel & Hardy enthusiast or film buff should be without this book. Buy it! Alison Grimmer Co-Editor, `The Intra-Tent Journal` - official newsletter of Sons of the Desert, the world-wide Laurel & Hardy appreciation society
| 
