Stan and Ollie abroad… Atoll K (1951), BFI Blu-ray/DVD set

I did have mixed feelings about this one, its reputation has never been great and it was filmed as Stan Laurel was visibly very unwell… but, you know what, he’s still our wonderful man and, turns out, the film has been somewhat under-rated. Yes, it’s not the greatest film, it’s no masterpiece, but it has charm, a small army of able assistants and for goodness sakes, it has two of the greatest comedians ever recorded on film.

The BFI have done a splendid job of reconstructing the longest-possible version of a film that has been butchered over the years and this edition restores much narrative sense for a film distributed in a cut-down 82-minute version as Utopia in the US and Robinson Crusoeland in the UK. This version is 98 minutes and is based on a high-quality English language 35mm master along with French and Italian footage – it was a Franco-Italian co-production.

Atoll K was “a courageous attempt to do something different” in the words of William K Everson whether it was through force of circumstance or just the European sensibilities of a storyline that embraces broader concerns than the Boys most famous domestic comedies. Directed by Léo Joannon the accompanying extras explain the problems of production – not least the language barrier(s) and the disruptions caused by health issues… all in all is surprisingly coherent in the end.

The film starts with Stan and Ollie at the lawyers where the former is informed of a substantial inheritance that is quickly reduced in front of his eyes as various legal fees and taxes take their toll… still, they may be down on the cash but Mr Hardy does still have a whole island in the bag. The two set off to Marseille to take possession of a yacht to take them there.

At the port the Boys end up with a cook who is a “stateless refugee” Antoine (Max Elloy) – a very “now” reference but also, of course post-War, they also gain a stowaway in Italian bricklayer Giovanni Copini (Adriano Rimoldi). This Franco-Italian second stringers reflect the film’s co-production as well as the need to pick up some of the physical comedy workload for the boys.

Max Elloy, Stan, Ollie and Adriano Rimoldi - The Allies of Comedy

Various disasters ensue and they find themselves shipwrecked on an un-mapped island after a storm. But, whilst they christen the island Crusoeland they are not alone and are joined by Chérie Lamour, a nightclub singer (Suzy Delair – a French starlet who does well in the circumstances) busy fleeing her jealous fiancé, Jack Frazer, a naval lieutenant (Luigi Tosi).

The motley crew establish their island as a new republic with Ollie as president and Stan as The People – “the will of the people” bringing bitter, Brexit smiles to this living room… it’s going to be a Utopia with no taxes and free movement guaranteed.

But this arrangement cuts both ways – blimey this is a Brexit film! – as the island is soon flooded with Chérie’s fiancé and others looking to exploit the rich uranium reserves. The Rule of No Laws is soon overthrown by the Right of Might and the Boys are threatened with execution: it’s Passport to Pimlico meets The Road to Utopia…

Suzy sings and soon begins The Uranium Rush

The story runs well and whilst Stan and Ollie are slightly diluted by the efforts of those around them it’s still a delight to see them so clearly in a fifties film. This was, ultimately not the end of the road but part of a decade of warm farewells which the current biopic with Steve Coogan and John C Reilly.

Glenn Mitchell, who provides an excellent commentary along with essay notes, reminds us that Laurel’s health improved and the duo went on to make two more successful European visits where, in the end, the love the took was equal to the love they made.

But, if the main feature itself isn’t enough to make to open your wallet then the massed extras will be: there’s a video essay from Chris Seguin, archive footage of the lads on tour in the UK and a fascinating interview Stan gave in 1957 just a week after Ollie died.

Another mess. Fine!

There are also five rare solo silent comedies including the magnificent Should Men Walk Home? (1927), half an hour of pure comedic bliss starring the genius Mabel Normand who, suffering from her own health issues even aged just 35 (she had tuberculosis), is not quite so bonny as in her hay day but still in possession of the wicked looks and perfect timing. It’s a precious piece of her legacy and for me worth the price of admission alone especially with an ace score from the Meg Morley trio.

Creighton Hale and Mabel in Should Men Walk Home? (1927)

I always felt that Stan may have lifted his mournful look to the audience from Mabel, who started out before them all in 1910, here you can see for yourself. Overall it's a great set and a must for all fans of Stan, Ollie, Mabs and silent comedy in general.

Atoll K is available now from the BFI shop and online. Don’t hesitate!

Oliver Hardy tries to catch a break/drink in in Should Men Walk Home? (1927)

Something in Her Eye (1915)

Do You Love Your Wife (1919)

Somewhere in Wrong (1925)

Mother's Baby Boy (1914)