The Battle of the Century (1927)
In the National Film Registry
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17m
Boxing scam goes splat! Pie fight erupts, city in chaos. Laurel & Hardy caught in creamy mayhem.
While The Battle of the Century (1927), a silent slapstick masterpiece featuring Laurel and Hardy, retains a basic plot – a fixed boxing match gone wrong – its humor relies heavily on the subversion of audience expectations. The narrative unfolds through a series of loose, interconnected gags, rather than a linear structure. Scenes shift abruptly, and physical comedy takes center stage, often defying the laws of physics.
Laurel and Hardy's performances are key to the film's experimental nature. Their deadpan expressions and impeccable timing elevate slapstick to an art form. Their use of props and their mastery of physical humor create a world of their own, one where objects come alive and chaos reigns supreme.
The Battle of the Century's legacy extends beyond slapstick. Its influence can be seen in the works of later filmmakers who embraced absurdity and defied convention. This seemingly simple comedy short serves as a reminder that even within the confines of genre, there's room for experimentation and innovation.
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