Category: THREE STOOGES-Related

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THREE STOOGES: “HE COOKED HIS GOOSE” (1952)

SUMMARY:         RUNNING TIME: 15:48 Min. (Black & White)

Produced and directed by Jules White off Felix Adler’s script, this Three Stooges comedy is a series rarity — specifically, Moe, Larry, & Shemp are enemies.  Lecherous pet shop owner Larry schemes to pit a married Moe against Shemp, so he can make romantic advances upon both Moe’s less-than-adoring wife, Belle, and Shemp’s patient fiancée, Millie. 

To advance his philandering, Larry concocts a ruse where Shemp is hired to sell (and even model) undergarments to Belle, and then tips off a jealous, gun-packing Moe.  The same applies to Millie, who shows up to confront Belle for stealing Shemp from her.  The question becomes: does Larry’s sleazy conniving succeed?     

Moe: Moe Howard

Larry: Larry Fine

Shemp: Shemp Howard

Belle: Mary Ainslee

Millie: Angela Stevens

Miss Lapdale (Larry’s Secretary): Theila Darin

Waiter: Johnny Kascier

Stooge Stand-Ins/Stunt Doubles: Harold Breen, Charlie Cross, & Johnny Kascier

Note: The Joe Besser-era Stooges remade this storyline as 1959’s “Triple Crossed.”

REVIEW:

Aside from the intriguing notion of Larry playing a villain, “He Cooked His Goose” deserves credit for trying something more sophisticated with the Stooges.  Somewhat reminiscent of their ‘Niagara Falls’ routine (with Curly), the Stooges come off well, as Larry gleefully manipulates his romantic competition.  Seeing Larry finally get the spotlight role while Moe plays a pathetically naïve husband is indeed a treat. 

The only detriment is this farce’s shortened running time, as more gags could have been added to screenwriter Felix Adler’s terrific premise.     

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                5½ Stars

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THREE STOOGES: “THE THREE TROUBLEDOERS” (1946)

SUMMARY:      RUNNING TIME: 17:00 Min. (Black & White)

Directed by Edward Bernds off Jack White’s script, this Three Stooges comedy gleefully spoofs Grade-B Westerns.  Arriving in sparse Dead Man’s Gulch, prospectors Larry, Moe, and Curly discover that the town is sore need of another new sheriff.  That year alone, local outlaw Badlands Blackie and his baddies have offed several town sheriffs (they’re not even counting deputies, anymore). 

Blackie is now demanding that local blacksmith Nell marry him by sundown, or she’ll never see her abducted father again. Stepping in, Curly becomes the town’s new lawman and even Nell’s fiancé, provided he can save her father.  With Moe and Larry & Moe as his deputies, Curly first practices his sharpshooting skills. 

Meanwhile, Blackie & Co. proceed with his insistence that Nell marry him immediately.  The Stooges manage to thwart the shotgun wedding the first time.  Yet, it’s up to the Stooges to intervene at Blackie’s saloon hideout by sundown to save Nell from forced nuptials and the town itself from his reign of terror.

Moe: Moe Howard

Larry: Larry Fine

Curly: Jerry “Curly” Howard

Nell: Christine McIntyre

Badlands Blackie: Dick Curtis

Trigger: Ethan Laidlaw

Quirt: Blackie Whiteford

Judge Blake: Victor Travers

Young Boy (Judge Blake’s Son): Uncredited

Justice of the Peace: Si Jenks

Town Elder: Hank Bell

Nell’s Father: Elmo Lincoln (cameo)

Bartender: Joe Garcio

Townsmen: Steve Clark, Slim Gaut, Budd Fine, & George Morrell

Saloon Patrons: Uncredited

Saloon Maids: Uncredited

Note: Lincoln was the first cinematic Tarzan, having appearing as the character in 1918’s Tarzan of the Apes.

REVIEW:

Practically a live-action cartoon, “The Three Troubledoers” does relatively well blending B-Western gunplay with Looney Tunes and Dudley Do-Right-style antics.  Though there are some slow spots in the script, Curly’s bungled training and the shootout gags prove solid fun (including a makeshift bazooka).  Curly gets the bulk of the laughs, but Moe & Larry still make a few worthwhile contributions, i.e. the sped-up bicycle-for-three sequence prior to the big rescue. 

Even if this episode isn’t the best of the Stooges’ Westerns, there’s sufficient laughs to make it worth sitting through.     

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 6 Stars

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THREE STOOGES: “IDIOTS DELUXE” (1945)

SUMMARY:         RUNNING TIME: 17:30 Min. (Black & White)

Produced and directed by Jules White off Elwood Ullman’s script, this Stooges comedy is told in flashback by defendant Moe, who is on the witness stand facing assault charges.  Already a nervous wreck, a convalescing Moe is convinced by his musician roommates, Larry & Curly, to go on a camping trip for fresh air and relaxation. 

Yet, a nosy bear cub keeps poking around their cabin, so the trio decides to go bear hunting.  More specifically, Moe sends his pals after the bear while he stresses over stressing out.  As it’s revealed, Curly & Larry are the ones pressing charges against an ax-wielding Moe. 

Moe: Moe Howard

Larry: Larry Fine

Curly: Jerry “Curly” Howard

Judge: Vernon Dent

Bailiff: Paul Kruger

Courtroom Spectators: Al Thompson, Johnny Kascier, & Eddie Laughton

Additional Courtroom Spectators: Uncredited

Bear: Uncredited

REVIEW:

While Larry and Curly share scenes tag-teaming gags, a low-key Moe holds up his end, too.  Still, the bear swipes the best “Idiots Deluxe” material away from the Stooges.  Aside from the dubious visual of Moe chasing after his friends with an axe, “Idiots Deluxe” supplies watchable Stooge entertainment. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                  5 Stars

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THREE STOOGES: “EVEN AS I.O.U.” (1942)

SUMMARY:       RUNNING TIME: 16:00 Min. (Black & White)

Directed by Del Lord, Columbia Pictures staff writer Felix Adler scripted this 1942 horseracing comedy.  Third-rate horseracing form scalpers Moe, Larry, & Curly are chased off by a cop into a vacant lot where a homeless Mrs. Blake and her young daughter now live among their displaced household possessions. Evidently, the Stooges invite themselves to move in with them. 

Sympathetic to their new friends, Curly swipes the little girl’s piggy bank and convinces the Stooges they can help by making a big score at the racetrack.  Naively conned into believing a ‘talking horse,’ Curly’s unlikely bet draws some big money at an upcoming race. 

Yet, upon being conned yet again, the Stooges now possess another ‘talking’ horse and evidently move into the horse’s stable.  Attempting to feed their new pet through a makeshift blowgun (don’t ask), Curly suffers a bizarre medical mishap.  A surprise twist occurs at a veterinarian’s office just before this episode ends.   

Moe: Moe Howard

Larry: Larry Fine

Curly: Jerry “Curly” Howard

Mrs. Blake: Ruth Skinner

Mrs. Blake’s Daughter: Sharyn Moffett

Joe the Crooked Ventriloquist: Stanley Blystone

Joe’s Confederate: Jack Gardner

Street Cop: Bud Jamison

Irate Motorist: Vernon Dent

Racetrack Gate Attendant: Heinie Conklin

Racetrack Announcer: Lew Davis

Racetrack Pay Window Clerk: Bert Young

Racetrack Customer: Suzanne Ridgeway

Veterinarian Wheaton Chambers

Veterinarian’s Aide: Joe Garcio

Seabasket (Voice): Billy Bletcher

2nd Horse (Voice): Uncredited

Motorists: Uncredited

Racetrack Attendees: Uncredited

Note: Again impersonating journalists, the Stooges re-use a gag previously used in 1935’s “Three Little Beers.”

REVIEW:

“Even as I.O.U.,” ironically, isn’t, as one fragmented sub-plot is left bookended and unresolved by another.  With reliable help from Bud Jamison and Vernon Dent, the Stooges initially deliver the goods making their escape from the police.  Yet, once the awkward makeshift family subplot kicks in (i.e. a meal together), only some vintage Curly-isms keeps this episode afloat. 

Moe & Larry are curiously given so little to do, as Felix Adler’s script makes it ‘The Curly Show,’ mostly fending for himself.   Conveniently enough, the mother and daughter are forgotten (and not even referenced again) once the Stooges have stolen the little girl’s piggy bank.

Reverting back to a racetrack caper, “Even As I.O.U.” predictably resorts to somehow watchable Mr. Ed-style humor (predating that TV show by nearly twenty years).  The unfixable problem, however, comes with an utterly surreal finale.  Nutty, off-the-wall humor can be terrific when it’s smartly played, but Adler’s twist finish is so ridiculous that viewers will likely feel their time has just been squandered. 

As far as terrific Curly gags go, “Even as I.O.U.” enjoys its moments, but there’s not nearly enough of them to justify the ultra-stupid ending.     

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:               5 Stars

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THREE STOOGES: “HALF-SHOT SHOOTERS” (1936)

SUMMARY:    RUNNING TIME: 19:00 Min. (Black & White)

Directed by Jack White (under the pseudonym of Preston Black), this early Three Stooges comedy for Columbia Pictures was written by Clyde Bruckman. 

In 1918, the Three Stooges are literally asleep on the job overseas as U.S. soldiers when World War I ends, mid-battle.  A round of nasty bullying from an infuriated Sgt. MacGillicuddy (Blystone) includes single black eyes for Curly & Larry, and a deliberately dislocated or broken arm for Moe.  After their subsequent discharge from the Army, the Stooges retaliate with triple-teaming as MacGillicuddy’s ‘farewell gift.’ 

Seventeen years later, now hungry, destitute, and homeless, the Stooges are haplessly suckered into re-enlisting in the Army.  Much to their chagrin, guess who their vindictive drill sergeant is?  Assigned to a coastal artillery unit, miscommunication sets up Moe, Larry, & Curly to enthusiastically commandeer an Army cannon with live ammo to commence target practice.  Even an admiral’s flagship can’t evade the Stooges’ immense stupidity.     

Moe: Moe Howard

Larry: Larry Fine

Curly: Jerry “Curly” Howard

Sgt. MacGillicuddy: Stanley Blystone

Man in Restaurant: Vernon Dent

Examining Officer: Edward LeSaint

Other Unnamed Officers: Harry Semels, Lew Davis, & Bert Young

Additional Known Cast Members: Eddie Laughton, Johnny Kascier, & Heinie Conklin

REVIEW:

“Half-Shot Shooters” is utterly defenseless in its poor taste, and, worse yet, is hard-pressed to score even a single chuckle.  Whatever dubious post-war satire screenwriter Clyde Bruckman sought is lost in a series of unfunny gags, including the climax where Stooges annihilate military property multiple times.  What isn’t spelled out but can only be presumed is a mass number of innocent casualties, given MacGillicuddy’s superiors don’t bother halting his final act of vengeance. 

It’s unfortunate that the Stooges and a capable supporting cast are squandered in such mean-spirited dreck spoofing the U.S. military.  Including co-stars Edward LeSaint and Harry Semels in hilarious reaction-heavy roles, one should instead see the Stooges’ subsequent Columbia release: “Disorder in the Court.”  Spoofing Hollywood’s murder trial melodramas, “Disorder” is a wacky comedy gem.  “Shooters,” on the other hand, qualifies as nothing short of cinematic sludge.       

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 1½ Stars

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TED HEALY & THE THREE STOOGES: “BEER AND PRETZELS” (1933)

SUMMARY:     RUNNING TIME: 20:00 Min. (Black & White)

In 1933, MGM released Beer and Pretzels, as the second of its comedy short series starring Ted Healy, the future Three Stooges (Moe Howard, Larry Fine, & Jerry “Curly” Howard), and Healy’s off-screen girlfriend, Bonnie Bonnell.  The plot is meant to loosely spoof Healy’s real-life reputation as a ‘ladies’ man.’  Jack Cummings directs The Stooges’ first two-reel comedy, with original music written by Al Goodhart & lyricist Gus Kahn. 

Ted’s incessant womanizing costs them the quartet their gig as performers at the Happy Hour variety theater. Hence, the unemployed Stooges press their leader into getting them all jobs as waiters at a swanky nightclub.  The club’s glamorous singer becomes the latest of Ted’s would-be romantic conquests. 

Mayhem ensues, as Ted and his hapless buddies harass the clientele while inviting themselves into the club’s featured entertainment.  An ironic finish awaits the gang, as Ted can’t seem to keep his promises. 

Ted: Ted Healy

Moe: Moe Howard

Larry: Larry Fine

Curly: Jerry “Curly” Howard

Nightclub Singer (Bonny Latour): Bonnie Bonnell

Singing Bartenders: The Three Ambassadors (Jack Smith, Martin Sperzel, & Al Teeter)

Theatre Manager: Ed Brophy

Nightclub Manager: Fred Malatesta

Tap Dancing Trio: Uncredited

Undercover Cop: Uncredited

Nightclub Patrons: Uncredited

REVIEW:

Great premise, lackluster execution.  Wasting the Stooges in unfunny gags, Beer and Pretzels is definitely a swing and a miss.  Despite the film’s welcome sprinkles of old Hollywood charm, what’s obvious is how superfluous a smooth-talking Healy is to the Stooges. 

Looking remarkably youthful, the Stooges merely hint at the legendary slapstick material they would unleash (without Healy) at Columbia Pictures only a few years later.  With perpetual straight man Healy setting up most of their cues here, the Stooges try their thankless best to make him look good.  Frankly, given this uninspired script, it’s all for naught.     

From start to finish, neither Healy nor the Stooges conjure up anything remotely hilarious – i.e. smacking each other with a palm to the forehead isn’t worth a chuckle.  Even a big fight scene is just that – a barroom brawl that sets up the final scene and nothing more. 

The finish saves the film’s best potential gag for last; invariably, what ought to have been an outrageous Groucho Marx-style visual twist becomes a weakly low-key cop-out.  It’s really no wonder that Beer and Pretzels utterly fails to exploit the fun opportunity it has on tap.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 3 Stars

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I STOOGED TO CONQUER: THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF THE LEADER OF THE THREE STOOGES

Written by Moe Howard

SUMMARY:

Moe Howard’s posthumous memoir was first published in 1977 by Citadel Press as “Moe Howard & the 3 Stooges.”  This updated 241-page edition was released by Chicago Review Press in 2013.  Besides the sly title change (to one Moe evidently preferred), this update swaps out and/or shrinks several photos from the first book.  As before, all photos are in black-and-white.  Also, Moe’s daughter, Joan Howard Maurer, provides a foreword, as she had helped complete the manuscript following his death in mid-1975.

Moe recounts his immigrant family’s humble life in turn-of-the-century Brooklyn, including anecdotes of his and older brother Shemp’s shared penchant for troublemaking.  In addition to revealing why he first got his trademark bowl cut, Moe discusses his stints as a child film actor and working professionally onstage in his teens. 

From starting in vaudeville with Shemp to working for childhood friend Ted Healy, Moe describes the Stooges’ evolution from Healy’s low-paid sidekicks to achieving their own stardom at Columbia Pictures for a quarter-century and beyond.  With gradual changes in the trio’s line-up (including why younger brother Jerome, aka ‘Curly,’ replaced Shemp and later vice-versa), Moe’s narrative continues through to early 1975, including his activities in retirement. 

REVIEW:

It’s an undemanding read for those who prefer a loose overview vs. detailed accounts.  Moe shares several terrific anecdotes, but there’s scant details re: his fellow Stooges outside of work. 

Other than briefly explaining why the trio twice broke up with Healy, Moe rarely dishes dirt, so to speak.  Presumably, this classy gesture is meant to guard his family and friends’ privacy, so other biographical sources are necessary for a fuller account of the Stooges’ show biz history – for instance, The Three Stooges Scrapbook (co-authored by Moe’s daughter) would be an ideal supplement.  Still, Moe’s humble memoir proves a fun and endearing experience for Stooge fans, preferably for ages 12+. 

Parental Notes: Young readers might need clarification of some vaudeville terminology – specifically, the difference between ‘whiteface’ and ‘blackface’ acts.  Also, the ‘n-word’ twice appears in an early 1930’s racist incident Moe describes.  Specifically, Moe is quoting a Jacksonville, FL theater manager, who angrily fires them for Moe’s friendly interaction with an African-American passerby.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES:

From the Stooges’ films, stage work, promos, and Moe’s home life, there’s innumerable photos. Joan Howard Maurer’s insightful and poignant foreword expresses more of her dad’s sentimentality than he himself was willing to admit.  She also acknowledges that a few details in the book’s original text are incorrect.  For instance, she specifies the year (1928, not 1925) and location re: when Ted Healy first recruited Larry Fine into the act at a Chicago nightclub. 

Like its previous version, the book includes an afterword acknowledging Moe’s passing before his memoir was completed.  There’s also a full Stooges filmography and an index.    

Note: Moe’s text claims that, he, too, was present when first meeting Larry, but other reliable sources (i.e. The Three Stooges Scrapbook) state that Shemp was there with Healy (without Moe).     

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                        7 Stars

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THE CURLY SHUFFLE (by Jump N’ The Saddle Band: Hilarious! Greatest Novelty Hits)

SUMMARY:                          RUNNING TIME: 2:55 Min.

Recorded as a single by the Jump N’ The Saddle Band, this Three Stooges homage was released in 1983.  For that time, its music video was a Stooges black-and-white clip montage.  Among the compilation albums “The Curly Shuffle” has subsequently appeared is 2006’s Hilarious! Greatest Novelty Hits.    

REVIEW:

For Three Stooges aficionados, obtaining a copy of this zany one-hit wonder is a must.  In a tribute to all the Stooges, the Jump N’ The Saddle Band does some fantastic work remembering Jerome “Curly” Howard.  Near-perfect imitations of Curly’s most well-known phrases and sound effects are included.  As a pop culture nod to the world’s famous Stooge, “The Curly Shuffle” is a gem.      

BRIAN’S 10-STAR RATING:                8 Stars

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THREE STOOGES TRIVIA GAME (by Go! Games)

SUMMARY:

Released by Go! Games is this officially-licensed boxed trivia game featuring two card decks (each with 100 cards) for 2+ players (recommended age: 12 and up).  The trivia categories consist of: The Shorts; Sights & Sounds (visual references & sound effects); Cast & Crew; Feature Films; and personal info re: The Three Stooges.  The game’s object is for the first player to correctly answer two questions in all five categories (or, if need be, just one question per category).  Supposedly, the oldest player receives the opportunity for the first question and can select the category.  The player asking the question shall be on the opposing player’s right.  After the card goes to the bottom of the deck, game play continues in a clockwise fashion until a winner is declared.

No scorecards are provided, so players are advised to supply a sheet of paper.  

REVIEW:

It’s a given that casual fans of Moe, Larry, Curly, Shemp, Joe Besser, and Curly-Joe DeRita will be at a distinct disadvantage.  The vast majority of answers pertain to obscure Stooge historical details that only hardcore fans might possibly know.  In fairness, the question writers retain a sense of humor and will throw in a rare clue or hint whenever they deem appropriate.  Sporadically, answers will double up or may appear inconsistent.  In far fewer instances, the supposed answer is incorrect. Case in point: The Stooges appeared in two Scooby-Doo cartoon episodes in the early 1970’s, not just one per what the card says.   

Still, as a solo activity, the question cards offer fun tidbits for Stooge fans to peruse on a snow day, road trip, or just dazzle a buddy with.  With 200 cards, that’s worth the price of admission to play catch up with the Stooges. 

Note: Speaking of trivia, for whatever reason, Hanna-Barbera opted for in-house voice actors imitating the Stooges in their Scooby-Doo team-ups, despite paying the real Stooges to rent their likenesses.

BONUS FEATURES:

Included is a small sheet of game instructions.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 5 Stars

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THE THREE STOOGES CAREER GUIDE: ADVICE FOR CLIMBING THE LADDER

Written by Sam Stall

SUMMARY:

Released by Running Press Book Publishers in 2011, this 144-page hardcover compiles a series of encouraging expressions and catchphrases (yet not quite clichés) meant to inspire workplace rookies.  One might even say these tips could help keep savvy (or jaded) professionals humble.  Vintage images starring Moe Howard, Larry Fine, Curly Howard, and Shemp Howard help the Stooges demonstrate timeless tidbits – i.e. the necessity of leading by example;  avoiding the hindrance of overthinking problems; the importance of a strong team spirit; and so many more.

REVIEW:

Spoofing the business management/self-help genre, author Sam Stall does an ingenious job of pairing common sense advice with classic Stooge antics.  Hence, this book’s good-natured appeal extends beyond hard-core Stooge fanatics, whether it’s   a gag gift to recent college graduates, or those perhaps considering alternate careers.  Courtesy of Stall’s lightweight humor, The Three Stooges Career Guide is a low-key gem for anyone who needs a stress relief break from the workplace.  Then again, there are some kernels of wisdom to be found along the way.  Rest assured, the Stooges will remind readers that a smile and a good laugh are still invaluable business tools.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES:

None.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                               7 Stars