Book Review: Promotional Pademonium: Selling Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy to Depression-Era America

The latest in Richard S. Greene’s collection of promo material on classic comedians is a initial volume (of a proposed two) that covers Laurel and Hardy movies – specifically, their feature films for the Hal Roach studios. 

There can’t be too many books on Laurel and Hardy.  They were so magnificent; any biographical study or cinematic assessment of their work is always welcome.  But in Greene’s case, the book is a massive collection of ads, posters, paste-ups, promo items, and other such material that gives us a facinsating and thorough look into how the duo was promoted.

As with Greene’s similar books on Abbott and Costello or Martin and Lewis, the collection of materials contained herein is terrifically complete.  And, once again, it is a visual delight, combining bright colors and stark black-and-white images that give us a truly deep look at the promotional items contained herein.

But the book isn’t just about its visuals.  Greene discusses each film, giving its background, plotline, some period reviews, and an assessment.  Then he goes into all of the promotional copy that accompanied these wonderful images. 

There is nothing haphazard about Greene’s presentation.  Each image is striking in its clarity.  Even photos that have been seen in other Laurel and Hardy books look that much better here. And for those of us who are quite familiar with every other book on Stan and Oliver, there are many, many images not seen elsewhere.

Brightly colored posters, sharply focused photos, vintage movie ads, period caricatures, information, reviews, ad copy --- Promotional Pandemonium: Selling Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy to Depression-Era America is, quite frankly, a perfect book.  It explodes in its celebration as to how these wonderful comedians were presented to an eager public who needed a lift from the doldrums of the Depression.

This book is a true document that captures a past culture and it is a must for libraries, research centers, and fans.  It truly and effectively fills a need.  Can’t wait for Volume Two.

 The book can be ordered at this link:  PANDEMONIUM