The Battle of the Century

Synopsis

The Battle of the Century is a classic silent comedy film from 1927 starring Stan Laurel, renowned for its groundbreaking slapstick humor and iconic pie fight scene. The film revolves around two rival families who become embroiled in a comical feud escalating into a hilariously chaotic cake and cream pie fight. As the escalating battle unfolds, Laurel's characteristic physical comedy and impeccable timing drive the laughs, featuring inventive gags and visual comedy that have influenced generations. The movie exemplifies the height of silent film comedy, delivering timeless humor through expressive performances and inventive sight gags that require no dialogue to entertain audiences.

Cast

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  Stan Laurel

  Prize Fighter

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  Oliver Hardy

  Manager

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  Dorothy Coburn

  Pie Victim Boarding Auto (uncredited)

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  Lou Costello

  Boxing Hall Extra (uncredited)

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  Anita Garvin

  Slips on pie (uncredited)

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  Dick Gilbert

  Sewer Worker (uncredited)

Reviews

Critically, The Battle of the Century holds a special place in silent film history, admired for its inventive slapstick and the legendary pie fight sequence considered one of the most famous in cinema. On IMDb, it holds a respectable rating of 7.1/10, reflecting general audience appreciation for its comedic value and historical significance. Rotten Tomatoes does not have an aggregated score due to the film's age, but modern film scholars and comedy enthusiasts often praise the movie for its physical comedy and pioneering gags. Some contemporary critics highlight that while the film is a product of its time with absence of sound and modern narrative structures, its influence and craftsmanship in visual comedy remain impactful. The film's pace and visual humor continue to resonate, making it an entertaining watch for silent comedy fans. As noted by film historian Leonard Maltin, "It's a wonderful glimpse into early slapstick, with a pie fight scene that still manages to elicit laughter decades later." While not necessarily appealing to all modern viewers due to silent film conventions, The Battle of the Century is widely acknowledged for its enduring contribution to comedic cinema.