Blackface was never a major part of Laurel and Hardy's comedy and in fact very few Laurel and Hardy film used much blackface. This is something that has certainly helped their comedy age much better for much of today's audiences than many of their contemporaries. However there were a few times they did do blackface gags. Probably the most traditional black face scene in any Laurel and Hardy picture is in their first English language feature, Pardon Us (1931). While many today view this as an unfortunate part of an otherwise delightful movie, it was actually singled out in its day as an especially good scene. The following is a brief excerpt from a 1931 issue of The Film Daily.
"Charles E. Mack, originator famous black face team known as the Two Black Crows, waxed eloquent in his praise after witnessing the Hal Roach Comedians in 'Pardon Us.' 'The black face work of Laurel and Hardy is perfect,' says Mack who has spent 20 years in this type of work. 'I've only laughed at ten comedians in my whole life and Laurel and Hardy give me the best laughs of the bunch.'"
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