Step into the riotous world of Sons of the Desert, a 1933 comedy gem now colorized for a whole new generation of viewers. This film, directed by William A. Seiter, is widely celebrated as one of the finest feature-length outings for the legendary duo Laurel and Hardy. With its uproarious blend of slapstick, marital mischief, and fraternal brotherhood, Sons of the Desert is a must-see for fans of classic cinema and anyone seeking a hearty dose of laughter.
The plot centers around Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, two hapless members of the fraternal lodge known as the Sons of the Desert. The lodge mandates that all members must attend the national convention in Chicago, but the duo faces a major obstacle: their wives. While Oliver is determined to honor the lodge’s oath, Stan is anxious about how his wife, Betty, will react.
Oliver’s wife, Lottie, has her own plans for a mountain retreat and vehemently opposes his trip. To circumvent their wives’ objections, Oliver fakes an illness, and Stan arranges for a fake doctor’s recommendation—prescribing a “restorative” voyage to Honolulu. This elaborate ruse allows the pair to sneak off to the Chicago convention, where they revel in the festivities, including the memorable performance of “Honolulu Baby.”
The farce escalates when a ship returning from Honolulu is reported sunk in a typhoon. Their wives, believing their husbands to be lost at sea, are thrown into panic. The truth unravels when they spot Stan and Ollie in a newsreel of the Chicago convention. The duo returns home, only to face the wrath—and in Stan’s case, the forgiveness—of their wives. The film’s climactic scenes deliver a blend of slapstick, confessions, and one of the most iconic kitchenware-throwing finales in comedy history.
The film’s enduring appeal is due in no small part to its stellar cast:
Stan Laurel as Stan
Oliver Hardy as Oliver
Charley Chase as Charley
Mae Busch as Lottie Hardy
Dorothy Christy as Betty Laurel
Lucien Littlefield as Dr. Horace Meddick
Ty Parvis as the sailor in the “Honolulu Baby” sequence
This ensemble brings to life a script brimming with wit, physical comedy, and the kind of chemistry that made Laurel and Hardy household names.
Sons of the Desert is a masterclass in fraternal farce, blending elements of slapstick, situational comedy, and marital satire. The film’s structure—built around secret societies, mistaken identities, and elaborate deceptions—delivers a uniquely American twist on the classic comedy of manners. Its influence can be seen in countless buddy comedies and sitcoms that followed.
Released at the height of the pre-Code era, Sons of the Desert reflects a time when Hollywood comedies could push boundaries with their depictions of marriage, gender roles, and social clubs. The film’s title inspired the creation of the international Laurel & Hardy fan society, which continues to thrive today. In 2012, the film was recognized by the United States Library of Congress as “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” and was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry.
This colorized edition brings new vibrancy to the film’s iconic scenes—from the bright red fezzes of the lodge to the bustling convention halls. The restoration process meticulously enhances the original black-and-white visuals, making every pratfall and pie-throw more vivid than ever. The color palette was chosen to remain faithful to the period, highlighting the costumes, props, and set designs that defined 1930s comedy.
: William A. Seiter
: Frank Craven, Byron Morgan
: Hal Roach
: Kenneth Peach
: Bert Jordan
: Marvin Hatley
: Hal Roach Studios
: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
: 64 minutes
: English
: MP4
: HD (1080p)
: Stream or download on smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs.
Sons of the Desert is widely regarded as one of the greatest Laurel and Hardy films, praised for its tight script, memorable gags, and the duo’s impeccable timing. The film’s influence extends beyond cinema, inspiring generations of comedians and spawning a global fan movement. Its blend of universal humor and period charm ensures it remains a favorite among classic film aficionados.
: What is the main theme of Sons of the Desert?
A: The film explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the lengths people will go to in order to enjoy a little fun—often at the expense of honesty.
: Is this version colorized?
A: Yes, this edition has been professionally colorized, enhancing the visual experience while respecting the original’s comedic spirit.
: Who are the leading actors?
A: The film stars Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, supported by Charley Chase, Mae Busch, and Dorothy Christy.
: What makes this film a classic?
A: Its clever script, iconic performances, and timeless humor have cemented its status as a comedy classic.
: Are there alternate titles for this film?
A: In the UK, the film was also released as Fraternally Yours.
Get ready to laugh out loud—download Sons of the Desert (1933) Colorized in HD and experience Laurel and Hardy’s most celebrated feature like never before!