Three Little Pirates

Only a fool would try to argue that any Stooge short is the "best", but some, like Three Little Pirates, can definitely be termed "one of the best". If you are a Stooge fan, this is the one that you HAVE to see.

The premise is simple: the Stooges, as castaways on an island seemingly locked in the Middle Ages and under despotic rule by an impetuous Emperor, must escape with their lives and take His Majesty's betrothed with them. Easier said than done!

Comedic highlights include the Stooges trying to break out of their cell with a jackhammer, numerous anachronisms (the jackhammer, a pinball machine), Curly's disastrous knife-throwing routine, a painting which comes to life, and jokes about execution.

The highlight, however, is the indescribable "Maha? Aha!" routine. The Stooges are trying to con their way out of the palace as nobility from foreign lands. Curly is the "Maharashi", and Moe is his translator, the "Djinn of Rummi". They chatter in a made-up language, and even though Curly repeatedly bursts into perfect English, and Moe repeatedly slaps him, the Emperor notices nothing.

If you love the Stooges, this is a must-see. It is undoubtedly one of the best ever.