Book Review: Promotional Pandemonium Book Two - Short Subjects & 1940s Features

Richard Greene’s latest Promotional Pandemonium book of publicity and promotional material covers Laurel and Hardy’s short films and the later features they did after leaving the Hal Roach studios.  It is yet another magnificent collection of images from BearManor Media.

The book covers everything, from posters, to lobby cards, to newspaper ads (all shapes and sizes) for each film. Along with these graphics, the author gives a written overview of the period being covered, including its highlights and low points.

By indicating the book covers the short films, that includes both their silents and their talkies.  It is interesting to see how much publicity short films received.  Once the duo’s stardom was established during the silent era, their films were often advertised right alongside the feature they were supporting.  As their films continued to achieve greater popularity, some shorts were billed above the feature.  The hand drawn artwork on some of these ads is truly spectacular.

The later features that Laurel and Hardy made after 1940 are also covered extensively.  These films have been dismissed, often unfairly, by other studies and even this book's author writes that the films are, “somehow not quite as funny.”  Still, he dutifully provides essays for each of these later films and offers more wonderful publicity images. 

Continuing on, the book includes all of the movie anthologies that contained clips of the duo’s work, and later legacy items like comic books and magazines.  The many books written about their life and work (including this reviewer’s recent study) are also represented.

This wonderful collection is, like Richard Greene’s other promo books, positively therapeutic. One can’t help but feel a better sense of calmness and relaxation while paging through these beautiful graphics.  The artwork is magnificent, the frequent use of color impressive, and the publicity stills are remarkable.

The book is an absolute must for comedy fans, especially those who champion Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy.   It can be purchased at this link:  PROMOTIONAL