The world’s most famous double act – Ulverston-born Stan Laurel and his American counterpart Oliver Hardy – have been given the high-definition treatment for the first time, as cinemas across the UK and Ireland get set to show four of their classic films.
Following the hugely-successful trial screenings in June and continuing the celebrations of the 125th anniversary of Stan’s birth, National Amusements are bringing two more double bill showings, with Barrow’s Vue cinema one of the participating venues.
On Sunday from 3pm, the Hollywood Retail Park cinema will show 1937 hit Way Out West and their earlier short film Towed In The Hole .
From 1921 to 1952 the pair appeared in a total of 106 films together, including silent movies.
Ross Owen, founder of The Laurel and Hardy Forum, was instrumental in bringing the films back to the cinemas.
He said: “I’m really excited about it, because it will be the first time I’ve ever seen them in HD.
“It’s just incredible that it’s happening and I’m delighted that the next generation will get to see the films in the cinema.
“We had a few requests from the Barrow area because of how close it is to Ulverston, and local people are very proud of their link to Stan.
“In early 2016 we’re looking at taking the screenings into Europe, the USA and Australia, and we’ve even had requests from Japan and India.
“I never imagined it would get to this scale where people from all around the world are wanting to see them.”
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