Before the Three Stooges entered into their super-successful careers with Columbia Studios, the trio were signed by MGM. However, MGM had no idea what to do with them or their front man (they were originally billed as Ted Healy and His Stooges). Often the trio appeared with Healy but the chemistry never really gelled. They also appeared all separately (such as in "Dancing Lady") as well as in a few shorts. However, the Three Stooges that we are familiar with today never really showed up in any of their MGM work--which could be why they spent so little time with this studio.
Here with their first film for Columbia, "Women Haters", it's obvious that the Stooge formula STILL wasn't established. Instead of the usual antics, this is an all-singing/rhyming short (they did at least one other like this) and they didn't go by their usual names! They are Tom, Jim and Jack!!
The plot is a bizarre thing and begins with the trio joining a club of guys who hate women. However, soon Jim (Larry) announces he's met a great lady and he's planning on getting married. Naturally, this wouldn't sit well with the club nor his friends--and to try to get past them, he asks his new bride to keep their marriage a secret! Later, he tells Tom and Jack that she ISN'T his wife--just some lady who fainted and he was helping her! What's next? Give it a try to find out what's next for the boys.
For those who hate the Stooges (and there are MANY out there in this group), the film might be a welcome change of pace. While there is some slapping and the usual violence, it's a bit more restrained and the film is a genuine oddity! I think it's mostly of value for its novelty more than anything else. Far from brilliant, it IS memorable. Occasionally over-acted (even by Stooge standards) and perhaps it might have worked better with a few songs instead of having them sing everything.
Here with their first film for Columbia, "Women Haters", it's obvious that the Stooge formula STILL wasn't established. Instead of the usual antics, this is an all-singing/rhyming short (they did at least one other like this) and they didn't go by their usual names! They are Tom, Jim and Jack!!
The plot is a bizarre thing and begins with the trio joining a club of guys who hate women. However, soon Jim (Larry) announces he's met a great lady and he's planning on getting married. Naturally, this wouldn't sit well with the club nor his friends--and to try to get past them, he asks his new bride to keep their marriage a secret! Later, he tells Tom and Jack that she ISN'T his wife--just some lady who fainted and he was helping her! What's next? Give it a try to find out what's next for the boys.
For those who hate the Stooges (and there are MANY out there in this group), the film might be a welcome change of pace. While there is some slapping and the usual violence, it's a bit more restrained and the film is a genuine oddity! I think it's mostly of value for its novelty more than anything else. Far from brilliant, it IS memorable. Occasionally over-acted (even by Stooge standards) and perhaps it might have worked better with a few songs instead of having them sing everything.