Wedlock Deadlock

"Wedded Deadlock" is a very funny comedy short starring Joe DeRita....the same Joe DeRita that later became the last of the Three Stooges, 'Curly Joe'. In fact, I'd say it's much funnier and more enjoyable than most of the Three Stooges shorts!

The film begins with Eddie (DeRita) and Betty getting married. Minutes later, Betty's mother, aunt and brother arrive and make themselves at home. Well, they actually do act as if it is THEIR home--and they eat all Eddie's food and are incredibly obnoxious. In fact, it's so bad that Eddie is about ready to do them bodily harm...and they'd deserve it! However, his friend Dick arrives and has a plan....he and his wife will return and pretend to be Eddie's relatives. And, they'll behave so obnoxiously that there is no way the other relatives will stay.

Watching Dick and his wife put on their act was very funny as was the reaction by Eddie and Betty. Overall, a very clever short and proof that DeRita could have been a very funny comedian. It's just too bad that by the time he joined the Stooges the act deliberately chose to be less violent, less slapstick and more sweet...all things that had me thinking Joe DeRita wasn't talented. But he's definitely got it in "Wedlock Deadlock"!