Stan & Ollie

Stan & Ollie

Year: 2018

Runtime: 98 min

Language: English

Director: Jon S. Baird

Echo Score: 76

Budget: $10M

BiographyDramaComedy

In 1953, the iconic comedy duo Laurel and Hardy embark on a British tour, but the glamour of their Hollywood years is waning. Facing age and uncertainty, they find renewed passion and affection from their fans. However, Oliver’s health problems and memories of their past success create challenges, testing the deep connection between Stan and Ollie as they contemplate the end of their careers.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Stan & Ollie yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Stan & Ollie (2018)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Stan & Ollie (2018). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1937, 1953

The film spans two distinct periods in entertainment history: 1937, when Laurel and Hardy were at the height of their fame, and 1953, capturing their final tour together. The late 1930s marked a transition in Hollywood as studios began to recognize the potential of comic duos, while the early 1950s highlighted the changing landscape of show business, with traditional theatre struggling against new forms of entertainment.

Location

United Kingdom, Ireland, London, Savoy Hotel, Lyceum Theatre, Worthing

The movie takes place across various locations in the United Kingdom and Ireland, reflecting the cultural richness and diverse performance venues of the era. Notable locations include the luxurious Savoy Hotel in London and the Lyceum Theatre where they perform, both known for their historical significance in the entertainment industry. Worthing serves as a backdrop for a beauty contest they judge, further showcasing the local culture.

🏛️ Historic 🎭 Theatre 🌍 Cultural

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:06

Main Characters – Stan & Ollie (2018)

Meet the key characters of Stan & Ollie (2018), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Stan Laurel (Steve Coogan)

Stan Laurel is portrayed as the more impulsive and creative half of the iconic duo, often struggling with feelings of frustration and betrayal. His determination shines through as he navigates the complexities of their partnership and fights for their comedic vision. Despite the tensions, he remains deeply committed to his friendship with Ollie, showcasing a vulnerable yet resilient disposition.

🎭 Comedian 💡 Creative 🤔 Determined

Oliver Hardy (John C. Reilly)

Oliver Hardy is depicted as the more grounded and pragmatic member of the partnership, often caught between his contractual obligations and his friendship with Stan. His struggle with health issues adds an emotional weight to his character, illustrating his dedication to their act despite physical challenges. Ollie's charm and charisma make him a beloved figure, but his insecurities also surface throughout the narrative.

🎭 Comedian ❤️ Loyal 😓 Vulnerable

Ida Kitaeva Laurel (Nina Arianda)

Ida, Stan's wife, is portrayed as a supportive yet sometimes confrontational figure, reflecting the pressures that come with Stan's career. Her strong personality often acts as a mirror to Stan's struggles, revealing deeper emotional layers beneath their professional endeavors. Ida's involvement in the narrative highlights the impact of personal relationships on artistic careers.

👩‍🎤 Supportive 🎭 Witty 💔 Protective

Lucille Hardy (Shirley Henderson)

Lucille Hardy, Ollie's wife, exemplifies loyalty and concern for her husband's well-being, bringing a maternal quality to the story. Her interactions with both Ollie and Stan emphasize familial ties and the personal stakes of their comedic journey. Lucille's character adds depth to the emotional dynamics faced by the duo, particularly during the critical moments of conflict.

👩‍❤️‍👨 Loyal 💪 Strong 💔 empathetic

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:06

Major Themes – Stan & Ollie (2018)

Explore the central themes of Stan & Ollie (2018), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🤝 Friendship

At its core, the film revolves around the deep yet tumultuous friendship between Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. Their bond is tested by professional setbacks and personal conflicts, but ultimately, they find strength in their camaraderie. The narrative emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and understanding in sustaining long-lasting relationships.

🎤 Performance

The theme of performance is significant in the film as it explores the challenges faced by the iconic duo during their final tour. It highlights not only their comedic talents and creativity but also the pressures from management and external expectations. This struggle to captivate audiences showcases the dedication they had to their craft, which was met with varying levels of success.

💔 Betrayal

Betrayal is a recurring theme, particularly in the context of their professional and personal lives. Stan's feelings of betrayal during Ollie’s contract issues and subsequent arguments reflect deeper insecurities and unresolved tensions. This theme culminates in moments that test their loyalty, allowing the audience to see the complexity of their relationship.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:06

Unlock the Full Story of Stan & Ollie

Don't stop at just watching — explore Stan & Ollie in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Stan & Ollie is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Stan & Ollie Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Stan & Ollie, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Stan & Ollie Summary

Stan & Ollie Timeline

Track the full timeline of Stan & Ollie with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Stan & Ollie Timeline

Stan & Ollie Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Stan & Ollie that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Stan & Ollie Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Stan & Ollie

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Stan & Ollie: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Stan & Ollie

Similar Movies to Stan & Ollie

Discover movies like Stan & Ollie that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.