Hoofs and Goofs

1957 film by Jules White

January 31, 1957 (1957-01-31) (U.S.)

Running time

15:27CountryUnited StatesLanguageEnglish

Hoofs and Goofs is a 1957 short subject directed by Jules White starring American slapstick comedy team The Three Stooges (Moe Howard, Larry Fine, and Joe Besser in his first starring role with the act). It is the 175th entry in the series released by Columbia Pictures starring the comedians, who released 190 shorts for the studio between 1934 and 1959.

Plot

Joe finds himself unable to shake thoughts of his departed sister, Birdie. In a gesture of camaraderie, Moe and Larry play along with Joe's belief that Birdie will manifest herself downtown the next day. Upon their excursion, the trio encounters a horse purportedly embodying Birdie's reincarnation, much to the astonishment of Moe and Larry.

Filled with jubilation, the Stooges endeavor to persuade their equine "sister" to accompany them home. Initially resistant, Birdie eventually relents. However, their joy is short-lived as they discover Birdie's impending motherhood. Joe's reaction is one of frantic preparation for the forthcoming arrival of the newborn foal. Meanwhile, the clattering of Birdie's hooves draws the attention of their landlord, Mr. Dinklespiel, and his daughter, residing below.

Confronted by Mr. Dinklespiel, Moe attempts to deceive him into believing the commotion stems from innocuous sources. Once the landlord departs, Birdie gives birth to a colt, prompting Joe's exuberant declaration of unclehood. Yet, his elation is abruptly interrupted by Moe and Larry, awakening him from what transpires to be a dream sequence.

In reality, Birdie (portrayed by Moe in feminine attire) remains alive and well, residing with the Stooges. Joe, recounting his dream to Birdie, inadvertently offends her by likening her to a horse, resulting in a humorous retaliation involving a casserole deposited atop Joe's head.

Cast

Credited

Moe Howard as Moe/Birdie
Larry Fine as Larry
Joe Besser as Joe
Harriette Tarler as Dinklespiel's daughter
Benny Rubin as Mr. Dinklespiel
Tony the Wonder Horse as Birdie

Uncredited

Ruth Godfrey White as Birdie (voice)
Joe Palma as drunk man

Production notes

Hoofs and Goofs was the first Three Stooges short featuring Joe Besser as the third Stooge; filming was completed April 18–20, 1956.^[1] According to Besser's autobiography Not Just a Stooge, Besser spoke to Moe shortly before filming to convey his condolences over the death of Shemp Howard the year before. Joe and Shemp had been good friends.^[2]

The film's original ending was to have the Stooges' sister, Birdie, hit Joe with a rolling pin. However, due to his not wanting to be hit in the head with a solid prop, it was changed to a casserole.^[2]^[3]

The film makes reference to actress Kim Novak, when spoken by the reincarnated Birdie.

The film would have a direct sequel, Horsing Around, released on September 12, 1957.

References

^ Pauley, Jim (2012). The Three Stooges Hollywood Filming Locations. Solana Beach, California: Santa Monica Press, LLC. p. 142. ISBN 9781595800701.
^ ^a ^b Besser, Joe; Jeff Lenburg; Greg Lenburg (1984). Not Just a Stooge. Orange, California: Excelsior Books. p. 264. ISBN 978-0918283009.
^ Howard Maurer, Joan; Jeff Lenburg; Greg Lenburg (2012) [1982]. The Three Stooges Scrapbook. Glendale, California: Chicago Review Press. p. 264. ISBN 978-1613740743. rdi.