Babes in Toyland

1 and 1/2 hours of laughter!

MPAA Rating: APPROVED

IMDB Rating: 7.2 / 10

Release Date: 12/14/1934

Length: 73 min

Tags: comedy, family, fantasy, musical

Director: Charley Rogers

Writers:

Frank Butler

Nick Grinde

and 1 more credit

Cast:

Mother Goose

(Virginia Karns)

Barnaby

(Charlotte Henry)

Stannie Dum

(Felix Knight)

Ollie Dee

(Florence Roberts)

Bo-Peep

(Charlotte Henry)

Tom-Tom

(Felix Knight)

Widow Peep

(Florence Roberts)

Editor Review

Babes in Toyland, otherwise known as Laurel and Hardy in Toyland, or a variety of other names, is a 1934 film featuring the classic comedy duo of Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. Laurel and Hardy had a long and fruitful career, and are often seen as the pinnacle of comedy duos.

This musical is based on the 1903 operetta of the same name by Victor Herbert. The original is almost completely rehashed to suit Laurel and Hardy, and the story features the leads as Dee and Dum who are perseverant in trying to keep Mother Peep's show and Little Bo Peep from the nasty clutches of Barnaby. Or, if all else fails, they will get Stanley Dum dressed in drag and have him marry Barnaby in Bo Peep's place. This will, however, bring on the wrath of Barnaby and his bogeyman.

Most known for their physical comedy, which is at times brilliant, it's more so the relationship between the pair that makes their comedy so memorable. Their foolishness, and yet loyalty to each other helps to create what was, and some would say still is, the best comedy pairing ever.

The film features some weird and wonderful fairytale characters and scenarios, which is not surprising in this Toyland adventure. Hal Roach's friendship with Walt Disney came in handy during the filming, with the character of Mickey Mouse - "played" by a capuchin monkey! - and an instrumental version of Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf? being allowed in the feature. If at all possible, catch Babes in Toyland in its computer colorized version, and not the original black and white, as the childish exuberance of the Toyland is undoubtedly better in a spectrum of colour.

The film has been renamed many times, originally a ploy to get cinema-goers to return to see the same film multiple times. But whether you want to call it Laurel and Hardy in Toyland or Revenge is Sweet, March of the Wooden Soldiers or the original Babes in Toyland, give Laurel and Hardy the opportunity to tickle your funny bone this Christmas.

Fun Fact:

The film became something of a series of unfortunate events on the set; Stan Laurel tore ligaments in his right leg. Henry Brandon was injured in a bar fight. Assistant director Gordon Douglas tore ligaments in his left leg. Kewpie Morgan's continuous laughing (for his role) ruptured muscles in his stomach. Oliver Hardy needed his tonsils out the day after filming wrapped. Hal Roach developed appendicitis.