Marvin Hatley

Born: 1905-04-03

Thomas Marvin Hatley professionally known simply as Marvin Hatley, was an American film composer and musical director, best known for his work for the Hal Roach studio from 1929 until 1940. Hatley wrote many of the musical cues appearing in the Our Gang, Laurel and Hardy, and Charley Chase films. His most memorable composition is "Dance of the Cuckoos"(also known as "Ku-Ku", or "The Cookoo Song"), which serves as Laurel and Hardy's theme song. He was also the "player piano" (performing off-screen) in The Music Box (1932). His work in Laurel and Hardy's films Way Out West and Block-Heads earned him nominations for the Academy Award for Best Original Score. In 1939, Hatley was fired from the Roach studio. At the insistence of Stan Laurel, however, he did return to score one final Laurel & Hardy film, Saps at Sea. Hatley went on to become a lounge pianist, and often remarked that he earned more money in that career than during his days at the Roach studio. Marvin Hatley was a native of Reed, Oklahoma. He died on August 23, 1986 in Hollywood, California.


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Shivering Shakespeare

as Musician (uncredited)
Released: 1930-01-25

The gang is participating in a program sponsored by the Golden Age Dramatic League. They present...

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The Tabasco Kid

as Cowboy
Released: 1932-01-30

A timid accountant for a California cattle ranch and a lookalike dashing bandit become rivals...

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Arabian Tights

as Musician - The Ranch Boys (uncredited)
Released: 1933-06-02

Charley and his buddies are captured and imprisoned by an Arabian sultan.

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Uncle Joe

as Bandleader
Released: 1941-10-18

A pretty Chicago teenager (Gale Storm), who's being courted by an older man, is sent by her...

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Maids a la Mode

as Pianist (uncredited)
Released: 1933-03-04

Instead of delivering some fancy dresses to a customer, the girls wear them to a party.

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Rough Seas

as Pvt. Marvin Hatley
Released: 1931-04-24

On his way home following World War I, Charley smuggles his French sweetheart aboard ship and...

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Midsummer Mush

as Member of Camping Trio
Released: 1933-08-20

Charley falls in love with Betty on a camping trip.

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Sherman Said It

as Soldier
Released: 1933-09-02

Although the war is over, Charley still can't seem to find his way out of France.

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