This work challenges the orthodox view of Laurel and Hardy as innocent slapstick clowns suitable mainly for children. Through a detailed, film-by-film analysis, the author reveals Stan and Ollie as complex characters whose role-play involves not only ambiguities of age and class but gender reversal and mock-eroticism as well. The book includes a concordance of gags and situations in the team's 106 movies. This book will fascinate not only Laurel and Hardy buffs but anyone interested in sexual politics and the cinema.