Twice Two Explained

Twice Two
Director:James Parrott
Producer:Hal Roach
Cinematography:Art Lloyd
Editing:Bert Jordan
Studio:Hal Roach Studios
Distributor:Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Country:United States
Runtime:20:29
Language:English

Twice Two is a 1933 American pre-Code Laurel and Hardy short film.

Plot

A dual wedding ceremony occurs wherein Stan marries Oliver's sister Fanny while Oliver weds Stan's sister Sandy. This matrimonial arrangement leads to the cohabitation of the two couples under one roof, with Stan and Oliver both working in the same office.

Amidst the domestic setting, the narrative unfolds with a series of incidents, including telephone gags and preparations for a surprise anniversary party organized by the wives to celebrate their first year of marriage. However, the celebratory mood takes a comical turn when a cake mishap results in Mrs. Laurel bearing an inadvertent resemblance to Queen Elizabeth I, depicted in a portrait on the dining room wall.

As Stan and Oliver arrive at the party, tensions and squabbles ensue between the two couples, punctuating the atmosphere of the celebration. The climax of the film occurs with the arrival of a delivery boy bearing yet another cake. This moment culminates in a chaotic scene where Mrs. Laurel is doused with the cake by a disgruntled Mrs. Hardy.

Cast

Credited:

Uncredited:

Production notes

Laurel and Hardy portray dual roles in Twice Two, a theme echoed in two other films: Brats and Our Relations. The voices of Mrs. Hardy and Mrs. Laurel are dubbed by Carol Tevis and May Wallace.

Twice Two is the second occasion where Stan Laurel adopts drag to portray Oliver Hardy's spouse, a role he had previously undertaken in That's My Wife. Stan's adeptness in such roles is evidenced by his portrayals in Another Fine Mess, A Chump at Oxford, and Jitterbugs.

The production is the last Laurel & Hardy film directed by James Parrott.