Movie Maniacs

Some famous footnotes to this campy comedy, all set in a real movie studio. We actually get to see parts of Columbia Pictures in the 30s, which is a treat by itself.

Moe, Larry and Curly land in Hollywood, hoping to become movie stars or whatever?

As Stooge luck would have it, they're mistaken for executives -- who telegrammed they are on their way, but haven't shown up -- take over a film and do it their wacky way. Felix Adler's script is goofy as usual, filled with some surprises.

First off, the director, leading man and lady walk off the set in a huff. That leaves Moe to take over as director, Larry plays the leading man and, yes, it's Curly in drag(!) as the leading lady? Outrageous, a gag that would be repeated many more times to come. Curly was a comedy original. The charade doesn't last long when the real bosses show up, prompting the guys to make a run for it, bumping into some lions, and you can guess the rest. By the way, the movie studio is called Carnation Pictures, as in milk!

The lions were, in fact, famous. They were called Tanner and Jackie, known as the MGM lions. A fun bit of trivia. Silent film actress Mildred Harris, who married Charlie Chaplin at age 17, plays the leading lady. Kenneth Harlan, also a silent screen actor, plays the leading man. Harlan was reportedly married a record nine times. Bud Jamison wins the nutty name contest, this time called Fuller Rath.

Another treat by director Del Lord.

Always on remastered Columbia dvd, separated by years, 30s, 40s and 50s episodes. Thanks always to METV for running these golden oldies Saturday nights.

Larry, Curly, and Moe arrive in Hollywood hoping to make it big. They sneak into a movie studio and get mistaken for three expected new executives who are supposed to take over the place.

The first half is standard Stooges with the bad cooking and sneaking past the guard. There's nothing terribly new until they get on set. The kissing is hilarious and one can see the joy in the girls' eyes. They are inches from breaking out laughing. That scene is the best. It's also always fun to get Curly dressed up. All in all, this has some real intriguing laughs in a fun standard Stooges.

As a child and thru my lifetime I watched this movie several times. We always loved the 3 Stooges, but the real reason was my father's cousin Mildred Harris,the leading lady. She died before I was born, my older sister looks just like her. Her father and my grandmother were sis/brother. I would love to find some pictures and any other information available. I do know that she was divorced. There were no living children. When my grandmother died, seems most of the Harris Family lost contact. Most of her Dad's family is from South Dakota and Indiana. She is also cousin to Bongo Phil Harris, he was the voice from the Jungle Book cartoon and recorded music. All information would be appreciated. Thanks.

Movie Maniacs (1936)

*** (out of 4)

Three Stooges short has the boys going to Hollywood to become stars. They get thrown out of the studio lot but sneak their way back on and are mistaken for movie execs. Now they try their way to make movies. The most laughs come from the start of the film with Curly trying to cook breakfast and Larry trying to press Moe's pants. The stuff in Hollywood has a few clever lines but no big laughs.

This is now available in Columbia's 2-disc collection, which features over 20 shorts from the boys, all digitally remastered.

The Three Stooges has always been some of the many actors that I have loved. I love just about every one of the shorts that they have made. I love all six of the Stooges (Curly, Shemp, Moe, Larry, Joe, and Curly Joe)! All of the shorts are hilarious and also star many other great actors and actresses which a lot of them was in many of the shorts! In My opinion The Three Stooges is some of the greatest actors ever and is the all time funniest comedy team!

One of the most unique Three Stooges shorts is Movie Maniacs. In this short are Bud Jamison, Harry Semels, Mildred Harris, Kenneth Harlan, and Heinie Conklin. The acting by these actors are good especially by Jamison and Semels. There are many funny scenes here that I think most Three Stooges fans will love! In My opinion this one of the most different Three Stooges shorts. I strongly recommend this one!