Sons of the Desert

1933
U
1h 8m

IMDb RATING

7.5/10

9.8K

YOUR RATING

Oliver Hardy and Stan Laurel in Sons of the Desert (1933)

Play trailer3:15

1 Video

27 Photos

Buddy Comedy Farce Slapstick Comedy Family

When Stan and Ollie trick their wives into thinking that they are taking a medicinal cruise while they're actually going to a convention, the wives find out the truth the hard way.When Stan and Ollie trick their wives into thinking that they are taking a medicinal cruise while they're actually going to a convention, the wives find out the truth the hard way.When Stan and Ollie trick their wives into thinking that they are taking a medicinal cruise while they're actually going to a convention, the wives find out the truth the hard way.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

7.5/10

9.8K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Awards
- 1 win

Waiter
(uncredited)

Jimmy Aubrey

Son of the Desert
(uncredited)

Eddie Baker

Son of the Desert
(uncredited)

Brooks Benedict

Son of the Desert
(uncredited)

Harry Bernard

Bartender
(uncredited)
…

Stanley Blystone

Brawny Speakeasy Manager
(uncredited)

Chet Brandenburg

Son of the Desert
(uncredited)

Don Brodie

Son of the Desert
(uncredited)

Bobby Burns

Son of the Desert
(uncredited)

Tony Campanaro

Steamship Announcement Witness
(uncredited)

Baldwin Cooke

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Storyline

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Did you know

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Trivia
According to studio publicity releases, scenes had to be re shot frequently because director and crew would often break up in laughter over the stars' antics. The story went on to assert that Stan Laurel's expression in the scene with Charley Chase was so funny "that it completely upset the equanimity of Hardy, and it was several minutes before the latter was able to regain his composure." According to film historian Richard W. Bann (a specialist on the films produced by Hal Roach Studios), Hal Roach recalled in 1979 how often such things happened on set. "I was never upset that it was costing me money," he said. "I was upset that we couldn't use some of the funniest scenes we saw every day," the ones that were ruined by cast or crew members breaking up.

Goofs
When Laurel and Hardy are returned to their wives by the police officer, as they are led inside the house, the camera tilts back slightly and the boom mic is visible at the top of the frame as they walk toward the couch.

Quotes
Oliver: Well, here's another nice mess you've gotten me into.

Alternate versions
There is an Italian edition of this film on DVD, "I FIGLI DEL DESERTO (1933) - New Widescreen Edition + I DUE LEGIONARI (Legione straniera, 1931)", re-edited in double version (1.33:1 and 1.78:1) with the contribution of film historian Riccardo Cusin. This version is also available for streaming on some platforms.

Connections
Edited into Dance of the Cookoos (1982)

Soundtracks
Honolulu Baby
(uncredited)
Written by Marvin Hatley
Sung by Ty Parvis and danced by Charita Alden and others
Also Performed by Oliver Hardy (vocal and guitar) and sung a cappella by Stan Laurel

User reviews90

Review

Featured review

10/10

Off To A Convention With Mr. Laurel & Mr. Hardy

Ollie wants to attend the annual convention of THE SONS OF THE DESERT in Chicago & have lodge brother Stan go with him. Their wives, however, have other plans. From such tiny acorns of humor do mighty oaks of hilarity grow...

This is a wonderfully funny film, with the Boys at their very best. Watch Stan's face as he eats the wax apple, or Ollie as he attempts to stand-up to his formidable spouse. The Sons themselves are a spoof of every fraternal organization that's ever taken itself too seriously.

Hilarious Charley Chase is the epitome of every obnoxious conventioneer you've ever tried to avoid. Mae Busch & Dorothy Christy are good fun as the Boys' wives, while Lucien Littlefield scores as a veterinarian called in to doctor Ollie.

Extra-sharp movie mavens will spot Charlie Hall as one of the waiters at the beginning of the 'Honolulu Baby' sequence; they will also recognize the voice of Billy Gilbert as the steamship official giving the announcement about the shipwreck survivors.