Movie spotlight
The Penny Pool
'The Penny Pool' (1937) features Duggie Wakefield and his Crazy Gang who come to the assistance of young lovers Tommy Bancroft and Renee Harland, who have been sacked from their jobs for filling in the penny football pools during work hours. But the Crazy Gang's assistance is not always useful!
Insights
Plot Summary
In this short film, Moe, Larry, and Curly are down on their luck and trying to scrape together enough money to get their laundry done. Their attempts to earn money range from a street performance to participating in a bizarre boxing match, all with their typical slapstick results. Ultimately, they find an unexpected solution to their laundry woes.
Critical Reception
As a short subject from the golden age of Three Stooges comedy, 'The Penny Pool' is generally regarded as a solid entry. It showcases the trio's signature blend of physical comedy, quick-fire gags, and chaotic energy, which was well-received by audiences of the era who sought lighthearted entertainment. While not often cited as one of their absolute best, it's a representative example of their popular comedic style.
What Reviewers Say
Fans appreciate the classic Three Stooges slapstick and fast-paced humor.
The short is seen as a typical, enjoyable example of the trio's work from this period.
Some might find the gags formulaic, but it delivers expected comedic chaos.
Google audience: Audience reviews for 'The Penny Pool' generally highlight its effectiveness as a short, comedic distraction. Viewers often praise the Stooges' trademark physical comedy and the rapid succession of gags, noting that it provides consistent laughs for fans of their style. While specific commentary on this particular short is less common than for their features, it's typically viewed as a good representation of their enduring appeal in short film form.
Fun Fact
The original premise for 'The Penny Pool' involved the Stooges trying to win a wrestling match to earn money, but it was changed during production.
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