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
