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Columbia Shorts 1946

96. THREE LITTLE PIRATES

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Rl. Dec. 5 / Prod. No. 4067 / 171/2 m / p Hugh McCollum / d Edward Bernds / st scr Clyde Bruckman / ph Philip Tannura / e Paul Borofsky / a Charles Clague / C: Christine McIntyre (Rita Yolanda), Vernon Dent (Gov. Enchilada), Dorothy DeHaven (Chiquita), Jack Parker (Soldier), Larry McGrath (Soldier), Robert Stevens (Black Louie), Ethan Laidlaw (Dirk) and Joe Palma (Jack)

SYN: Three survivors of a strange craft (Garbage Scow #188 N.Y.C.) - become shipwrecked on Dead Man's Island and are sent to jail by the Governor and supreme ruler of the island, who orders that they be executed. However, things begin to look up when Rita, the overlord's beauteous captive and his unwilling bride-to-be, helps the Stooges escape with a phoney disguise. They appease the Governor claiming to be three lost wayfarers bearing rare gifts for Gov. Enchilada. They speak in strange foreign tongues (Maharaja) and convince the Governor that if allowed, they will bring back many beautiful women from other lands. Needless to say, the Governor agrees, and they end up at Black Louie's Pirate Den, hoping for safer quarters. Chiquita, a palace beauty, informs the Governer of the Stooges' masquerade, and he sends a message to Black Louie to be on the watch, and to give them the works when they get there. The tale ends with a zany knife-throwing contest between Curly (who can't see due to his thick fake glasses) and Black Louie a sharpshooter. Knives starte flying carelessly and end up hitting some of Black Louie's men, vases, and chandeliers which crash down on the other pirates. A small ruckus ensues and before you know it, the Stooges have cleaned house.

Quick Hits:

- Did you know that the "Maharaja" routine was something the Stooges did for stage appearances?

- According to Ed Bernds (director), Moe dictated the entire Maha routine for Clyde Bruckman (writer) syllable for crazy syllable, at a writers conference on April 2, 1946.

- Many believe that Curly pulled of the "Maharaja" routine as well or better than any of his famous bits. If you consider his health during the time of this short, they are probably right. He had a major stroke while filming his very next short Half-Wits Holiday (1947).

SD: 4 (M 4/15 to TH 4/18/46) / FN: The "Maharaja" routine was first enacted in the Columbia feature, Time Out for Rhythm (6/5/41), and later in The Three Stooges Go Around the World in a Daze (9/63). The knife-throwing act was also repeated in in Around the World.