Towed in a Hole

For the food dish, see Toad in the hole.

Towed in a Hole is a 1932 pre-Code comedy film starring Laurel and Hardy. The "two-reeler" short was produced by Hal Roach, directed by George Marshall, and distributed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

Towed in a Hole
Directed by	George Marshall
Produced by	Hal Roach
Starring	Stan Laurel Oliver Hardy Billy Gilbert
Cinematography	Art Lloyd
Edited by	Richard C. Currier
Music by	Leroy Shield
Distributed by	Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Release date	December 31, 1932 (1932-12-31)
Running time	21:02
Country	United States
Language	English

Plot

Stan and Ollie find contentment in their modest livelihood, selling fish from their truck in an engaging manner. Stan's whimsical idea of catching the fish themselves to enhance their earnings initiates a sequence of events that leads to misadventures. Despite Stan's muddled explanation of the plan, Ollie discerns the notion to bypass the intermediary and engage directly in fishing endeavors.

Procuring a dilapidated boat for their fishing venture, Ollie's earnest attempts at repair are marred by Stan's inadvertent bungling, exacerbating the situation. A poignant moment ensues when Ollie seeks Stan's assistance and companionship, albeit fleetingly, before events take a comedic turn, resulting in Stan's imprisonment below deck after a physical altercation that leaves him with a black eye.

In a final attempt to salvage their fishing expedition, Stan and Ollie endeavor to tow the boat with their car, resulting in a calamitous collision. Despite the wreckage, Stan's discovery of his intact fish horn amidst the debris prompts a semblance of optimism, albeit short-lived, as Ollie chases Stan in frustration.

Cast

• Stan Laurel as Stanley
• Oliver Hardy as Ollie
• Billy Gilbert as Joe, the junkyard owner

Production notes

Towed in a Hole was remade by The Three Stooges in 1945 as Booby Dupes.^[1]

The bulk of the film takes place outdoors with Laurel and Hardy attempting to repair the boat. These scenes were filmed at the Hal Roach Studios Ranch between David Avenue and Hillsboro Drive just east of South Canfield Avenue in the Beverlywood section of Los Angeles.^[2]