SUMMARY: Running Time: 16:00 Min. (Black & White)
Directed by Jules White, this Three Stooges sitcom spoofs Gary Cooper’s iconic 1952 Western film, High Noon. Immediately after marrying their far-younger brides, cowardly saddle-sores Larry, Moe, & Shemp are jilted for not defending their wives against the scurrilous Noonan Boys.
With the sheriff unavailable to intervene, the skedaddling Stooges can’t skip town fast enough before their nasty rivals (dressed in classic villain black) can perforate them as lead pin-cushions. It’s up to Moe, Larry, & Shemp to muster the courage for a wild shoot-out to win their sweethearts back.
Moe: Moe Howard
Larry: Larry Fine
Shemp: Shemp Howard
Ella: Vivian Mason
Stella: Ruth Godfrey White
Bella: Diana Darrin
Lem the Guitar-Playing Cowpoke: Emmett Lynn
Noonan # 1 (Bill): Kenneth McDonald
Mandy: Babe London
Noonan # 2 (Dick): Mort Mills
Sheriff / Justice of the Peace: Emil Sitka
Noonan # 3 (Jack): Joe Palma
REVIEW:
As Emmett Lynn’s off-key guitar player nearly steals the show, the cartoony “Shot in the Frontier” rates among the better capers from the Shemp era (1946-1955). Instead of the Stooges bashing one other, this episode emphasizes their fun teamwork against desperate odds. Including some nifty tombstone wordplay, a string of violent gags parodying Western shoot-em-up’s delivers the goods.
Further, utilizing an outdoor Western frontier town set adds worthwhile scenery. Curiously, what ought to be a predictable finish (an irritated Moe settling a score vs. the guitar player) shifts to a low-key Shemp moment. To this episode’s credit, a sentimental touch proves a nice alternative to another crass gag.
Earlier, an energetic music cue accompanying the Stooges’ attempted getaway is an unforced gaffe. Its sound implies a track lifted wholesale from some silent-era slapstick chase scene. The music’s sped-up beat is entertaining, but its pacing doesn’t mesh with the far slower Stooges.
More problematic is the eyesore of the fifty-something Stooges implausibly hooking up with actresses a good thirty years younger. Suffice to say, it’s cringe-worthy viewing. The fact that both the runaway brides and the ever-dangerous Noonans are pure caricatures also adds next to nothing.
Despite these weaknesses, the Stooges’ ode to High Noon is more satisfying than expected. Even for casual fans, “Shot in the Frontier” proves the trio’s derided mid-fifties misadventures still had a few sparks left.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars
