Series: (Laurel and Hardy) Director: Charles McDonald Producer: Writer: Photography: A.H.C. Sitzenich Editor: Boris Vermont Sound: Reuben Ford Music: Edward Craig Stars: Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy, Pete Smith (voice) Company: Department of Agriculture Released: 29 November 1941 Length: 11 minutes Production No.: Filming dates: November 29, 1941 Rating: 3/10

The Tree In A Test Tube

Available on DVD:

A short documentary featuring Stan and Ollie in colour which brings to the attention of the viewer the every day use of wood products during the war. Made in 16mm Kodachrome colour.

Trivia • Contrary to what has previously been printed about this film being made/released in 1943, it was actually shot on November 29, 1941 on the 20th Century Fox back-lot during a lunch break. • This was the second time Laurel and Hardy appeared in a colour film. The first was The Rogue Song back in 1930. • Pete Smith does the narration for the Laurel & Hardy scene, Lee Vickers does the narration for the scenes thereafter. • Neither Stan or Ollie speak in the film. This is the first time since On The Wrong Trek in 1936 they appeared in a film without dialogue. • When we first see the boys, Stan is carrying a newspaper tucked under his left arm and a bag in his right arm. Ollie is carrying nothing. My opinion • Cringe.

	Stan Laurel Himself
	Oliver Hardy Himself

Acknowledgements: Laurel And Hardy: The Magic Behind The Movies by Randy Skretvedt (book) Laurel And Hardy: From The Forties Forward by Scott MacGillivray) This page was last updated on: 22 July 2025