Some of you will remember an old comedy team from the early part of the twentieth century named Oliver and Hardy. They produced some marvelous work. Their comedy was slapstick, but it also showed a deep understanding of human nature.

Conrad Hyers, in his book And God Created Laughter tells about an early Laurel and Hardy film from 1925 titled Big Business. Stan and Ollie are Christmas-tree salesmen in California going from house to house in a Model T truck loaded with trees.

The story begins innocently enough with a touch of the Christmas spirit and good cheer. Before long, however, things deteriorate considerably.

Stan and Ollie come to the door of one homeowner who has a somewhat salty disposition and is in no mood to put up with door-to-door salesman. He is not interested in a tree.…