Back in the late 1920s and early 1930s, the Three Stooges were a stage act called "Ted Healey and His Stooges". They consisted of Moe Howard, Shemp Howard and Larry Fine. However, for some reason Shemp wanted out as he wanted to be a solo act...and his timing was terrible as the team was discovered and went to Hollywood fame. It was only after Curly's stroke in 1946 that Shemp returned to the team. In the interim, he appeared here and there in films and also starred in a few very low budget comedies. Here in "Crazy Knights", he's paired with other familiar supporting actors--Billy Gilbert and Maxis Rosenbloom--and they oddly go by their actual names.
When the film begins, Billy is doing a traveling act with a gorilla. However, much of the time it's really Shemp in a gorilla costume. Obviously they aren't much of an act and as they're traveling to the next town they meet up with Maxie and his employer, Mr. Gardner (John Hamilton). Someone is trying to murder Gardner and the three morons decide to help the guy. With help like this, you pretty much assume Gardner is a goner!
The three stars of the film all are what you might expect--rather loud and about as subtle and sophisticated as strippers working at a Baptist barbecue! Normally in films, they are supporting characters but here they are the show...and it's a mix that might not appeal to many viewers. Overall, it's about what you'd expect from a haunted house film starring three idiots and with a budget of about $857.93! Not exactly brilliant nor a film for anyone who isn't VERY patient with their tiresome and mostly unfunny antics.
