Main content

The genius of the Laurel and Hardy theme tune

Kate Romano and composer Marvin Hatley explore the history and genius of the Ku-Ku theme. Hatley dismissed it as a silly tune, having originally composed it as a radio time signal. But when Stan Laurel heard it he insisted on using it for their theme tune, hearing Stan and Ollie's characters represented by the two clarinet lines.

Hear a new Time Traveller feature every weekday on Essential Classics. Click through to the episode page or explore the Essential Classics clips page for more quirky slices of cultural history.

Release date:

Duration:

4 minutes