Hardy enters Laurel in a boxing match, hoping to get some money even if Laurel loses. Later, he gets the idea of taking out an insurance policy on Laurel, hoping Laurel will injure himself.

Oliver Hardy, rotund film comedian, died yesterday. He was 65. Death came to the portly half of the famed Laurel and Hardy comedy team from the effects of a paralytic stroke he suffered last Sept. 12.

Comedy duo Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy made more than 100 films together between 1921 and 1950, and their slapstick humour remains popular a century on.

Martin Freeman has said comedians such as Laurel and Hardy had a big influence on his breakthrough role in The Office. The actor, who hosted the gala evening at the Slapstick Festival in Bristol ...

Martin Freeman has said comedians such as Laurel and Hardy had a big influence on his breakthrough role in The Office. The actor, who hosted the gala evening at the Slapstick Festival in Bristol ...