Fra Diavolo (also: The Devil's Brother)

(released May 5, 1933, ± 90 minutes)

This film is based on the opera "Fra Diavolo" by Daniel F. Auber from 1830. Stan & Ollie are renamed Stanlio & Ollio, after the original characters Giacomo and Beppo. They are robbed from their entire savings, so they decide to become robbers themselves. Unfortunately, they encounter the bandit Fra Diavolo (Dennis King), and are to be hanged. Stanlio can save his life by hanging Ollio, but his attempt fails ("he wouldn't stay up there... please give us another chance... I'll find a bigger tree") and they are forced to become servants of Diavolo. 

He is planning to steal the money and jewels of a wealthy couple (Thelma Todd & James Finlayson - what a match - as Lord and Lady Rocburg). 

In the end, they help, unintentionally, to reveal the true identity of the Marquis de San Marco, the alter ego of Fra Diavolo.

During the whole film, Stan is driving people mad by playing the silly games only he can do right. The others try, try and try again, without any success. 

These games are:

Most people don't like the films in which Stan & Ollie appear dressed up in anything else than bowlers and close-fitting suits, and I am one of them. But for this film, we have to make an exception: it remains funny throughout, and there's plenty of room for laughs between the songs.