Stan Laurel builds a house. What could POSSIBLY go wrong? *everything*
After being discharged from the 372nd infantry, on account of a bean shortage, smithy seeks employment. He finds a job on a construction site, where he helps to build a house, and soon causes havoc amongst the other workers. The construction company owner leaves for a week, and tells his secretary to send a letter to Mr. Smith telling him to complete the construction of the house while he (the owner) is away. The letter is accidently sent to Smithy who manages to complete the house. When the owner returns the house is complete, and Smithy is commended until the last support beam is removed...
Acting
Laurel's pre-Hardy physical genius—every face a masterpiece
Practical Effects
Genuine construction site chaos, no safety regulations in 1924
Editing
Perfect comic timing in the final collapse reveal
Director
George Jeske
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Laurel was still touring with Fred Karno's troupe when this was shot—Karno Jr. cameo is literally nepotism.
The 372nd Infantry was a real Black regiment in WWI; the film casually references them for a bean joke, because 1924.
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