They are heroes to millions even in these days of high-tech computer-generated images.
And the daft antics of a couple of men in bowler hats are set to attract large crowds to Elland this weekend.
The Rex Cinema is hosting another Laurel & Hardy film fun night and plan to screen the 1939 classic Flying Deuces as well as three short films, known as “two-reelers”.
One of them, called Bacon Grabbers, is a silent film and will be accompanied by Huddersfield organist Ben Hinchcliffe.
It has become an annual event at the town cinema and Rex proprietor Charles Morris expects another great night.
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“Our Laurel and Hardy nights have maintained their popularity ever since our first one more than 20 years ago.
“We get members of the Laurel and Hardy ‘tents’, as the fan club is known, coming from far away and some dress up in all their regalia.
“We also hope to have some Laurel & Hardy memorabilia stalls.
Try our Laurel and Hardy quiz below
“But more than anything it is the atmosphere created by 300 people laughing in unison at the antics of these two clowns which really makes the night.
“We get people of all ages coming, it really is quite an experience. And after the winter we have had in these parts, we need something to cheer us all up”.
Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy made 73 20-minute short films and 26 feature films between 1926 and 1952, when their last film Atoll K was released.
The duo’s signature tune, which is known variously as “The Cuckoo Song”, “Ku-Ku” or “The Dance of the Cuckoos”, was played over the opening credits of their films and has become as emblematic of the duo as their bowler hats.
The film Sons of the Desert from 1933 is often claimed to be Laurel and Hardy’s best feature-length film.
