Object

Grandkids' Laurel and Hardy Movie

Classic comedy film featuring Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy runs in the other room, keeping President Bartlet's grandkids occupied late at night. Bartlet name-drops it to Abbey during a candy confession, linking the sounds of slapstick laughter to his secretive indulgence with Abigail and the girls. The movie anchors the domestic backdrop, its remote play underscoring parental mischief amid Oval Office shadows.

2 appearances

Purpose

Entertains the grandkids in another room during adult conversations

Significance

Frames the playful family dynamic and Bartlet's grandfatherly softness, contrasting his duty-bound isolation as he quotes Frederick the Great and skips bed

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

2 moments

S4E15 · Inauguration Part II: Over There

Candy Confession and Quiet Duty

The Laurel and Hardy movie is referenced as the entertainment keeping Tony's grandkids occupied in the adjacent room; it explains why children were present and underscores the cozy family atmosphere that allows Bartlet's candy confession.

Before: Playing in the Residence Movie Room, occupying the grandkids' attention.

After: Likely still playing or recently used to occupy the children; remains a background detail as the adults converse.

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S4E15 · Inauguration Part II: Over There

Defend Everything, Defend Nothing

The Laurel and Hardy movie is invoked as the entertainment occupying the grandchildren in the adjacent room. It provides diegetic soundscape and explains why the children were present and why Bartlet was able to slip candy to them.

Before: Playing in the residence movie room with Tony's grandkids watching.

After: Possibly still playing in the other room; the grandchildren were moved earlier but the movie remains the implied background entertainment.

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