The Bullfighters

The Bullfighters
Directed by	Mal St. Clair Stan Laurel
Written by	W. Scott Darling Stan Laurel
Produced by	William Girard
Starring	Stan Laurel Oliver Hardy Margo Woode Richard Lane Carol Andrews Diosa Costello
Cinematography	Norbert Brodine
Edited by	Stanley Rabjohn
Music by	David Buttolph
Distributed by	20th Century Fox
Release date	May 19, 1945(1945-05-19)
Running time	60:55
Country	United States
Language	English

The Bullfightersis a feature film starring comedy duoLaurel and Hardy,the sixth and final film the duo made under20th Century Foxas well as the last released in the United States.

Plot

Private detectives Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy embark on a journey from their nativePeoria, Illinoisto Mexico City with the intent of apprehending the notorious criminal Hattie Blake, widely recognized as "Larceny Nell". Meanwhile, American sports promoter Richard K. Muldoon encounters his associate "Hot Shot" Coleman to discuss an upcoming bullfight featuring the esteemed Spanish matador Don Sebastian. However, Muldoon's anger is ignited upon seeing photographs of Don Sebastian, who bears an uncanny resemblance to Laurel. Muldoon's resentment towards Laurel and Hardy stems from a past incident in Peoria, where their testimony led to Muldoon's wrongful conviction and subsequent loss of livelihood and reputation.

As Laurel and Hardy confront Blake in pursuit of justice, she eludes capture and snatches the extradition papers. Their encounter coincides with Muldoon's discovery of Laurel's resemblance to Don Sebastian, prompting Hot Shot to coerce Laurel into impersonating the bullfighter to salvage the impending event. Reluctantly, Laurel complies under the threat of exposure to Muldoon, with the assurance of a handsome reward. Unforeseen circumstances compel Laurel to face the bulls in the ring despite his initial reluctance and inebriation.

However, the real Don Sebastian unexpectedly arrives, leading to a chaotic series of events during the bullfight. Muldoon, recognizing Laurel and incensed by his past injustice, instigates pandemonium in the arena. In a frenzy, Muldoon unleashes every bull, endangering the lives of all present. Laurel and Hardy attempt to flee, only to discover Muldoon hiding in their closet, seeking revenge with a knife. Fulfilling his vow, Muldoon subjects Laurel and Hardy to a symbolic punishment, leaving them with only their heads intact.

In the aftermath, Hardy laments their predicament with his iconic catchphrase, prompting a decision to return to their hometown of Peoria, where they feel they truly belong.

Cast

• Stan Laurelas Stan, Don Sebastian
• Oliver Hardyas Ollie
• Richard Laneas "Hot Shot" Coleman
• Irving Gump as Mr. Gump
• Carol Andrews as Hattie Blake
• Diosa Costelloas Conchita
• Ralph Sanfordas Richard K. Muldoon
• Margo Woodeas Señorita Tangerine
• Rory Calhounas El Brillante, disgusted matador
• Hank Wordenas Mr. McCoy
• Max Wagneras Farmer
• Emmett Voganas Prosecutor
• Cyril Ringas Cafe Customer
• Jay Novelloas Luis, Maître d'hôtel
• Edward Garganas Vasso, Man Practicing Speech

Production

Laurel wrote and directed portions of the feature.,which was produced in late 1944 and released in May 1945. The revenge plot was reworked from theirshort filmGoing Bye-Bye!(1934), and a tit for tat egg-breaking sequence was reprised from theMGMall-star featureHollywood Party,in which the team appeared in guest roles. This was Laurel and Hardy's last American film and also the film debut of Frank McCown, who later became famous asRory Calhoun.

Laurel and Hardy were scheduled to make another film for 20th Century-Fox in the spring of 1945, but the studio discontinued all B-picture production at the end of 1944 and closed the Laurel and Hardy unit. WhenThe Bullfightersbecame a hit, the studio offered to reopen the entire B department just for Laurel and Hardy, but the comedians declined.Thus,The Bullfightersturned out to be Laurel & Hardy's final American film. (Their final film,Atoll K,was produced in France in 1950–51.)

Reception

CriticBosley Crowtherin theNew York TimespraisedThe Bullfightersas “six reels of nonsense” adding that director Malcolm St. Clair, a veteran of theslapsticksilent film era, “didn't need a script; he must have had the whole business down pat in the back of his memory.” Crowther admired the climax of the film: “The melee in the bullring (which looks like newsreel footage), with occasional shots of the comedians running around among the crowds and the stampeding bulls, is the best part of the picture.”

References

• Dwyer, Ruth Anne. 1996.Malcolm St. Clair: His Films, 1915-1948.Filmmakers Series, No. 38.The Scarecrow Press,Lanham, MD & London.ISBN0-8108-2709-3
• Crowther, Bosley.1945.THE SCREEN;'Escape in the Desert' New Attraction at Strand-- 'Bullfighters,' Laurel and Hardy, at the Rialto At the Rialto.New York Times,May 12, 1945. Https: nytimes /1945/05/12/archives/the-screen-escape-in-the-desert-new-attraction-at-strand.html Retrieved 15 June, 2024.

External links

• The BullfightersatIMDb
• The Bullfightersat theTCM Movie Database
• ‹ThetemplateAllMovie titleis beingconsidered for deletion.›The BullfightersatAllMovie
• The Bullfightersat theAFI Catalog of Feature Films
• The BullfightersatRotten Tomatoes