Story

Now in semi-retirement, famous comedy duo Stan Laurel (Steve Coogan) and Oliver Hardy (John C. Reilly) try to rekindle their comedy careers in post-war Britain. With a new movie on the horizon, they begin a comedy tour with classic and fresh material. But for these ageing friends, the gruelling tour is made more difficult by the pressure to do constant media appearances to generate interest.

As Ollie’s health declines and Stan battles in vain to keep the upcoming film afloat, the tour threatens to open old wounds that could tear the duo apart. With their wives, Lucille Hardy (Shirley Henderson) and Ida Kitaeva Laurel (Nina Arianda), along for the tour, Stan and Ollie reflect on their inevitable final curtain call and their lifelong friendship.

Themes

Friendship and breakdown of friendship; illness; marriage; divorce

Violence

Stan & Ollie has some very mild slapstick violence. For example, Ollie and Stan hit each other on the head with mallets and other objects during their performances.

Sexual references

Stan & Ollie has some sexual references. For example:

  • Ollie and his wife lie in bed together. They cuddle and kiss lightly.
  • Stan and his wife kiss lightly.

Alcohol, drugs and other substances

Stan & Ollie shows some use of substances. For example:

  • People frequently smoke cigarettes and cigars.
  • People frequently drink wine, spirits and beer.
  • Ollie takes prescription medication.

Nudity and sexual activity

Nothing of concern

Product placement

Nothing of concern

Coarse language

Stan & Ollie has some mild coarse language.

Ideas to discuss with your children

Stan & Ollie is a tender yet bittersweet biopic, telling the story of the final public appearances of the comedy duo Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. With glorious performances by the lead actors, this movie is funny and touching. Viewers with even a passing acquaintance with Laurel and Hardy will appreciate it.

The movie might feel slow to younger audiences, and children under 13 years are likely to find that it lacks interest. Although there’s little content of concern, parental guidance might still be needed for children under 10 years because of mild coarse language, mild substance use, and themes of friendship breakdown, illness and death.

Values in this movie that you could reinforce with your children include:

  • friendship and love
  • care for those closest to us in times of need
  • forgiveness.

Stan & Ollie could also give you the chance to talk with your children about real-life issues like gambling.

Supported By

Raising Children Network is supported by the Australian Government. Member organisations are the Parenting Research Centre and the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute with The Royal Children’s Hospital Centre for Community Child Health.

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