The Stooges' second release of 1945, BOOBY DUPES has the boys as three fish peddlers who decide to cut out the middleman by catching their own fish. They then go about purchasing fishermen uniforms and a boat. In traditional Stooge fashion, they run afoul of a jealous boyfriend (the venerable Vernon Dent), whose suit Curly has swiped, sink their boat, and get bombed by the air force, who mistakes the boys as Japanese navy men.
BOOBY DUPES has real potential, with all the typical Stooge elements, falling into place neatly. Casting Vernon Dent is always a safe bet, as he was easily the Stooges' best foil. However, his role in the short is not pivotal in advancing the plot. In fact, it could be deleted altogether. Plus, the opening scene when the Stooges are driving through the streets trying to sell their fresh fish, is a carbon copy of the same opening scene from their 1940 short, CUCKOO CAVALIERS. In that one, the boys look into owning a bar/saloon ('a beauty salune'), but end of getting a beauty salon. The results are better; not so in BOOBY DUPES. The short was filmed in late 1944, and the United States was heavily involved in World War II, and the Japanese were the biggest threat to the country. The final gag may disturb some modern-day viewers, as the boys are stranded in the middle of a huge river. They call for help, and when they spot a plane flying overhead, Moe tries to get their attention by waving a rag tied to their fishing pole. The rag has a huge blot of paint on it, resembling Japan's flag. Naturally, the plane overhead is a bomber, and proceeds to drop bombs on the Stooges' defenseless boat. Funny at the time, but a gag that did not age well.
That is not the say that BOOBY DUPES is bad. In fact, it remains one of the funniest of the later 'Curly' shorts. The scene in which the boys are trying to make heads or tails of their newly purchased boat is hysterical, with Moe on the receiving end of three very painful gags. Curly climbs into the boat (which is elevated when delivered), and promptly steps through the weak floor, squashing Moe, who is below the boat. Then, they boys switch place, as Moe climbs aboard to inspect the damage. Curly and Larry then nail a board over the hole, and end up nailing Moe's shoe the boat floor. Moe is about at his wits' end when he sees that the motor's propeller is loose. As he bends over to retrieve some tools, Curly and Larry activate the motor, and pieces of Moe's trousers go flying in the air. This scene is notable for the addition of a new CLANG sound effect that would be prominent for the remainder of the Stooges career. It can be heard when Moe clobbers Curly in the leg and face with a wrench after Curly steps on Moe.
What hurts BOOBY DUPES somewhat is Curly's lagging performance. He was only a few short weeks away from suffering a minor stroke, one that would hamper his last ten shorts and two features with the Stooges. Though Curly carries most scenes pretty well (the entire 'jealous boyfriend' scene revolves around Curly), he is starting to show signs of his slowing abilities. His falsetto voice sounds hoarse at times, and at age 40, seems more like 50. Though Curly would remain with brother Moe and friend Larry for 11 more films, BOOBY DUPES showed the beginnings of the beloved Stooge slowly losing his way.
Overall, BOOBY DUPES is a pleasant short, one that marked the end of the Stooges wartime films.
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