With falling snow made of ivory flakes, plus hanging icicles fashioned from torn cloth, LAUGHING GRAVY offered a wintry setting. This Laurel & Hardy laughfest was issued to movie theaters around the country early in April, 1931. Perhaps it was thought that by then audiences could enjoy laughing at winter, since it was over, or supposed to be.

Born in Minnesota, LeRoy Shield knew something about the harsh conditions of winter and snow and lots of it. He was well inspired to create a chilly musical atmosphere. Apparently Shield composed, or at least named three beautiful, melancholy cues - SNOWING, SNOWSTORM and SNOW MAN - specifically for LAUGHING GRAVY. In fact there might be no other Hal Roach film using either SNOWING or SNOW MAN. These melodies could be unique to the wonderful background score for LAUGHING GRAVY.

DOG SONG could well have been written for LAUGHING GRAVY, but was also a natural for Pete the Pup scenes in several Our Gang comedies.

 

Opening Title:

"Mr. Hardy fell on his leg, and was laid up for two months. Mr. Laurel fell on his head -- and hadn't felt better in years."

-- by Richard W. Bann --