Saved by the Belle
| Saved by the Belle | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | Charley Chase |
| Produced by |
Charley Chase Hugh McCollum |
| Written by |
Searle Kramer Elwood Ullman |
| Starring |
Moe Howard Larry Fine Curly Howard LeRoy Mason Carmen LaRoux Gino Corrado Vernon Dent Manuel París Al Thompson |
| Cinematography | Allen G. Siegler |
| Edited by | Art Seid |
| Distributed by | Columbia Pictures |
Release date |
|
Running time | 17:22 |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Saved by the Belle is the 40th short film released by Columbia Pictures in 1939 starring American slapstick comedy team The Three Stooges (Moe Howard, Larry Fine and Curly Howard). The comedians released 190 short films for the studio between 1934 and 1959.
Plot
The Stooges are traveling salesmen stranded in Valeska, a fictional South American country prone to earthquakes. Having no luck selling fur coats to the natives they are arrested when they receive a telegram instructing them to "get rid of present wardrobe" and an official thinks they are planning to assassinate president Ward Robey. With the help of Rita, a beautiful revolutionary, the boys the prison, and are sent on a mission to deliver important plans to the revolutionary leader. When they deliver a rolled up calendar by mistake, they are once again heading for a firing squad but are spared when Rita arrives with the real plans, however, the Stooges are tricked, when they are to be commissioned by the revolutionary army, only to face a firing squad, in which the earthquake causes the Stooges to escape in a truck, filled with explosives. When Curly lights a cigarette, Moe tells him to throw it away, however, Curly throws it into the back of the truck, filled with explosives, causing the truck to blow up, landing the Stooges on a horse, which throws them off, as the film ends.
Production notes
Saved by the Belle was filmed on December 12–15, 1938.[1] The film title is a play on the boxing expression "saved by the bell."[2] It was the final Three Stooges short to be directed by veteran comedian Charley Chase, who died of a heart attack on June 20, 1940.[2]
When the Stooges introduce themselves to the rebels upon their arrival, Moe is heard saying "Hello, doh!" This line is from the Stooges' "Maharaja" routine, which would be performed in future films Time Out for Rhythm, Three Little Pirates and The Three Stooges Go Around the World in a Daze.[2]
When the Stooges are in front of the firing squad, believing they are to get their picture taken, Curly poses and says to Moe "I'm gonna send one home to Elaine". This is a reference to his then-wife Elaine Ackerman, whom he was married to from 1937 to 1940.[2]
Towards the end of the short, where they land on the horse, Curly briefly breaks character and almost laughs but holds it together.
References
- ↑ Pauley, Jim (2012). The Three Stooges Hollywood Filming Locations. Solana Beach, California: Santa Monica Press, LLC. p. 222. ISBN 9781595800701.
- 1 2 3 4 Solomon, Jon (2002). The Complete Three Stooges: The Official Filmography and Three Stooges Companion. Comedy III Productions, Inc. pp. 153–154. ISBN 0-9711868-0-4.
