“Monkey Businessmen” (1946) starring The Three Stooges / Z-View

Monkey Businessmen (1946)

Director:  Edward Bernds

Writer:  Edward Bernds

Stars: Moe Howard, Larry Fine, Curly Howard, Wade Crosby, Kenneth MacDonald, ‘Snub’ Pollard and Jean Willes.

Tagline:  It’s shock-full of hilarious laughter!

The Plot…

After getting fired, the boys need to get away and recharge.  They decide that Mallard’s Rest Home is just what’s required.  Little do our guys know that Mallard’s is run by crooks!  What could go wrong?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Curly’s health had deteriorated from a series of strokes to the point that Moe had to teach Curly his parts line by line.  In one scene Moe calls Curly by his pet name “Baby” and this mistake was left in the short.  Moe can also be seen nudging Curly to say his line in Dr. Mallard’s office.  In another scene Moe was coaching Curly out of camera range.  Curly was supposed to yell, “Moe and Larry!” but Curly remembered this line and yelled, “I know!  Moe and Larry!” and this also stayed in.

Moe and Larry enter a room after a loud crash.  Curly is on the floor wrapped around a ladder.  Moe says, “You lame brain, why don’t you be careful when you climb up a ladder?” Curly says, “I only climbed up seven steps.” Moe responds, “The ladder has six steps.”

Monkey Businessmen (1946) rates 3 of 5 stars.