Do Detectives Think? or The Bodyguard is a 1927 silent comedy short film starring Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy prior to their official billing as the duo Laurel and Hardy.

Plot

A judge sentences a dangerous criminal, the Tipton Slasher, to death "for killing two Chinamen, both seriously". Judge Foozle, in pronouncing sentence, rather gratuitously adds "And I hope you choke!". The Slasher vows to cut out the Judge's tonsils without anesthetic. When the Slasher escapes, the judge hires Laurel and Hardy, two clumsy detectives, for protection. While on duty, Laurel and Hardy face various mishaps, like losing their hats in a cemetery. Unbeknownst to them, the Slasher disguises himself as a butler in the judge's house. Hardy tries to impress the judge with his shooting skills but causes chaos instead. The judge's wife mistakes the Slasher for a threat, leading to a tense confrontation. Despite their blunders, Laurel and Hardy eventually capture the Slasher, though not without chaos. In the end, the judge's accidental scare helps the police catch the Slasher, thanks to Laurel and Hardy's unintentional help.

Cast

Production notes

Do Detectives Think? is the first film to showcase Laurel and Hardy donning their iconic attire of crumpled suits and bowler hats, the typical outfit of detectives during that era.

Homages

Canadian musician Nash the Slash chose his stage name based on the character in Do Detectives Think.