In the Sweet Pie and Pie

In the Sweet Pie and Pie (1941)

*** (out of 4)

At times hilarious short finds The Three Stooges in prison about to be put to death for a crime they didn't commit. A lawyer learns about their hanging and talks his three female clients into marrying the boys so that they can collect an inheritance but sure enough after the marriage the boys are set free. IN THE SWEET PIE AND PIE has a few weeks spots but for the most part this is classic Stooges as the boys go through some hilarious situations including a terrific pie fight that closes the film. The first portion of the movie packs quite a few laughs as the boys are trying to figure out a way to get out of prison not knowing that Curly has had saws the entire time. The second portion of the film is much better as the boys find themselves trying to fit into society and this includes a very funny dance sequence as well as the before mentioned pie fight. Speaking of the pie fight, I will admit that when they happen I usually don't laugh and it seems like this is something that the Stooges used every few shorts. Even though I normally don't laugh that certainly wasn't the case here because I thought the entire fight was hilarious and especially all of the reactions given by Moe. Just look at his covered up face when he first gets hit with the cake as it's very funny. While watching this rather long sequence I wondered how many takes they would have to do just to make sure all of the pies hit their targets perfectly.