#their first mistake

Laurel & Hardy in 1932′s Their First Mistake (3 of 3). After being left with a baby and no wife to take care of it. Stan moves in with Ollie because it is his fault afterall. Adding the baby means they must now, not only share the bed as usual, but must cuddle together to make room for the baby. Ollie mistakingly feeding Stan the baby’s bottle. More symbolism?
Their First Mistake says everything you need to know about the Laurel & Hardy characters. It was most likely done because so many people asked about it, so they answered all the questions while keeping their wholesome image. This was before the Hays Code was strictly enforced, but I think it still would’ve passed as it was done for the sake of comedy.

Laurel & Hardy in 1932′s Their First Mistake (2 of 4). Now it is time for Stan to perform his symbolic ballet on the bed. Stan thinks the best solution is to keep Ollie’s wife occupied is for Ollie (and his wife) to adopt a baby. Next thing you know Ollie and Stan come home with a brand new adopted baby, unknown to the wife. But the wife is gone and they are met by Billy Gilbert, the process server, telling Ollie that his wife his suing him for divorce. And she is also suing Stan for alienation of affection, usually reserved for “the other woman.”  Stan’s first impulse was to take off. Ollie says, “Why did you want me to have this baby? Now you want to leave me flat. What will my friends say. Stan says he has a reputation to protect. Ollie then blocks the door holding the baby.