Hats Off (1927)
A classic Laurel & Hardy silent comedy short where two hapless salesmen and a knocked-off hat spark citywide pandemonium.
Hats Off - Movie Information
- Original Title: Hats Off
- Release Year: 1927
- Directed by: Hal Yates
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy
- Runtime: 20m
- Original Language: German
- Spoken Languages: No Language
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 5, 1927 (United States), February 25, 1929 (Germany)
- Production Companies: Hal Roach Studios
- Production Countries: United States of America
Hats Off - Plot
Stan and Ollie are salesmen attempting to sell a washing machine; they fail constantly after several near misses. One would-be sale has them carrying the machine up a large flight of steps, only to find out that a young lady wants them to post a letter for her. The boys later get into an argument knocking off each other's hats, which eventually involves scores of others. A police van eventually carts all those involved away except Stan and Ollie, who afterwards try to find their own headgear amongst the hundreds of others lying on the street.
Hats Off - Trailer
Check out a surviving clip from this legendary lost comedy short:
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Hats Off - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Hal Yates
Main Cast
- Stan Laurel
- Oliver Hardy
- Anita Garvin
- Dorothy Coburn
- James Finlayson
- Chet Brandenburg
- Sam Lufkin
- Ham Kinsey
Hats Off - FAQs
Is Hats Off a lost film?
Yes, Hats Off is considered one of cinema's most famous lost films. No known complete print has survived, making it a legendary rarity among Laurel and Hardy enthusiasts. Only fragments and still photographs remain, which adds a layer of mystique to this beloved 1927 short comedy.
What is Hats Off about?
Stan and Ollie play door-to-door washing machine salesmen who can't catch a break. Their day spirals into chaos after hauling their heavy machine up a long staircase for nothing. Things really unravel when a petty hat-knocking argument drags in dozens of bystanders, ending in a mass police roundup.
Who are the main actors in Hats Off?
The film stars the iconic comedy duo Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy in the lead roles. They're joined by Anita Garvin, Dorothy Coburn, James Finlayson, Chet Brandenburg, Sam Lufkin, and Ham Kinsey, all familiar faces from the Hal Roach Studios stable of talent.
When was Hats Off released?
Hats Off first hit screens on November 5, 1927, in the United States. It later received a release in Germany on February 25, 1929. The short was produced by Hal Roach Studios during the golden era of silent comedy filmmaking.
Who directed Hats Off?
Hal Yates directed Hats Off. Yates was a reliable comedy director at Hal Roach Studios during the silent era, working frequently with the studio's roster of comedic talent. The film stands as one of the early Laurel and Hardy collaborations before the duo became a fully established team.
Is Hats Off related to The Music Box?
Absolutely — Hats Off is widely regarded as the direct predecessor to The Music Box (1932), the Oscar-winning Laurel and Hardy short. Both films share the same central gag of the duo struggling to haul a heavy object up a massive flight of stairs, with The Music Box essentially reimagining and perfecting the concept.
How long is Hats Off?
Hats Off runs approximately 20 minutes, which was a standard runtime for comedy short films of the silent era. Despite its brief length, the film packs in plenty of physical comedy and escalating chaos, showcasing the natural chemistry that would make Laurel and Hardy legendary.
What are similar films to Hats Off?
If you enjoy Hats Off, you might also like other early silent comedy shorts such as Finders Keepers (1921), Have Courage (1926), Fresh Faces (1926), Yes, Yes, Babette (1925), and The School for Scandal (1930). These films share a similar spirit of slapstick humor and comedic misadventure.
More About Hats Off
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