Laurel and Hardy

Thin, English-born Stan Laurel, and heavy, American-born Oliver Hardy, were the single most popular comedic duo of the early to mid-Classical Hollywood era of American cinema. The pair became well known in the late 20’s, and starred together in 40 short sound films, 32 short silent films, 23 full length feature films, and made guest or cameo appearances in 11 others, for a total of 106 films.

I believe this to be extremely relevant to my research for my own film. Capturing the comedy through a double act in a silent film...



Here the pair use minimal dialogue in a really simple scene that portrays the humour and down right stupidity of their friendship!

Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis

I found this video when researching famous double acts and the issues Lewis talks about concerning money (and the very simple vocabulary he uses to explain) is exactly what i would wish to portray in my own film. Additionally, the relationship between these two characters is what i would be aiming for. They sing about not needing anything but each other - being in it til the end! And although my film would be more about the shared desire for cash their friendship is what holds their cons together.

Del Boy and Rodders

To understand how we are going to direct our desired characters, i have to research into the world of double acts. To understand what makes them funny, how their personalities have to bounce off one another and what traits they must protray in order to make the film work!

Del Boy and Rodney
- 2 simple minded crooks!
- not necessarily bad people but willing to do bad things for money.
DEL BOY - Derek Trotter, or Del Boy, is a loveable Cockney rogue and wheeler dealer. He spent the 1980s and early 1990s slaving away with his market stall flogging what can only be described as dodgy gear.
However his luck changed in 1996 when an antique watch hidden in his garage made him an overnight millionaire. He lived the high life for 5 years before losing it all in 2001 due to a stock market crash.

RODNEY - Rodders, as he is often referred to by his big brother, has stuck by Del through thick and thin. After leaving school with two GCEs in Art and Maths, he was expelled from Art College for dabbling with drugs!
Without much going for him Rodney managed to rise to the challenge of being Financial Director of Trotters Independent Traders. (the brothers family business). He is recognised by an audience as more Del boys' side kick and the run around in their schemes.

From this i can see that the brotherly bond builds a strong connection and the pair being as simple minded as they are, its understandable they get themselves into silly situations!