Storyline

At Stanlio's urging, Ollio foists himself off as the dread singing bandit Fra Diavolo and unknowingly attempts to rob the notorious brigand himself. As punishment, Diavolo orders Stanlio to hang Ollio, but gives them a second chance when Stanlio bungles the job. Taking them on as his retainers, Diavolo travels to the Tavern de Cucu in his guise as the foppish Marquis de San Marco to rob the rich, aged Lord Rocburg and woo beauteous Lady Pamela. Stanlio drives Ollio and the innkeeper to distraction by playing "earsie kneesie nosie" and "finger wiggle," and gets drunk helping Ollio fill tankards of wine, sending him into an uncontrollable laughing fit. The boys plot to capture Diavolo but wind up with him in front of a firing squad.—Paul Penna

Plot Keywords

italy, nobility, bull, candle, duck, falling down stairs, handkerchief, hanging, inn, sword fight, arranged marriage, cuckold, carabinieri, village, song, may december romance, wanted poster, well, bandit, 1930s

Short Review

It is funny enough, and simple enough, to amuse you; more important, it is in the tradition of old-time movie comedy, of the stuff we used to get from Chaplin and Fairbanks.

Trailer

Streaming Service

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2. Vudu : [SD - Buy: 9.99, Rent: 3.99] [HDX - Buy: 9.99, Rent: 3.99]