The Three Stooges are here the primary witnesses in a trial in which someone's life is at stake. What a great premise, put the Three Stooges in the middle of a life and death situation and try to get them to act normal! Needless to say, there is plenty of room for their classic slapstick comedy routines, and they make the most of it. This film clearly stars Curly, as he is the only witness who is made to eventually take the stand. The scene where the bailiff tries in vain to get Moe to simultaneously take off his hat, raise his right hand and put his left hand on the Bible is a great example of some of the simple but brilliant gags that this group was so famous for. It reminded me of something that Chaplin might have done.
There is also a great sequence in which the stooges perform one of their musical acts, thinking that it is a much better way to show what happened than to try to answer nonsensical questions while on the stand. I can't help thinking that Moe always comes off as so mean-spirited in the Stooges' films, but I guess it should be seen as a testament to their wonderful ability to work together that he can pulls Curly's hair and smack Moe in the face and head and poke them both in the eyes and it's still hilarious.
This is one of the first of the Three Stooges' films that I've ever seen, and yet I know all of their tricks and sound gags and trademarks because they are some of the most famous things in film history. Larry's smacking them around, Moe's trademark laugh and odd hand gestures, etc. Certainly a must-see not only for fans of the Stoogres' but for fans of comedy.
There is also a great sequence in which the stooges perform one of their musical acts, thinking that it is a much better way to show what happened than to try to answer nonsensical questions while on the stand. I can't help thinking that Moe always comes off as so mean-spirited in the Stooges' films, but I guess it should be seen as a testament to their wonderful ability to work together that he can pulls Curly's hair and smack Moe in the face and head and poke them both in the eyes and it's still hilarious.
This is one of the first of the Three Stooges' films that I've ever seen, and yet I know all of their tricks and sound gags and trademarks because they are some of the most famous things in film history. Larry's smacking them around, Moe's trademark laugh and odd hand gestures, etc. Certainly a must-see not only for fans of the Stoogres' but for fans of comedy.