Shot in the Frontier

1954 American short film by Jules White

October 7, 1954 (1954-10-07) (U.S.)

Running time

15:52CountryUnited StatesLanguageEnglish

Shot in the Frontier is a 1954 short subject directed by Jules White starring American slapstick comedy team The Three Stooges (Moe Howard, Larry Fine and Shemp Howard). It is the 157th entry in the series released by Columbia Pictures starring the comedians, who released 190 shorts for the studio between 1934 and 1959.

Plot

Following their matrimonial ceremonies, the Stooges are confronted with an unsettling revelation: the Noonan brothers, during the Stooges' recent absence, have developed an affection for the newlywed wives and sworn to exact vengeance upon our protagonists should the weddings transpire. Subsequently, in the aftermath of the Justice of the Peace's departure, the Stooges find themselves pursued by the Noonan brothers, leading to a comedic skirmish involving firearms and ultimately devolving into a physical altercation.

Amidst the chaos, an elderly individual named Lem inadvertently exacerbates the tension by persistently serenading both factions with an off-key rendition of "Red River Valley". Moe, reaching his threshold of patience, resorts to destroying Lem's guitar in frustration. Unperturbed, Lem promptly produces a miniature guitar and resumes his discordant performance, adding an element of absurdity to the escalating conflict.

Cast

Credited

Moe Howard as Moe
Larry Fine as Larry
Shemp Howard as Shemp

Uncredited

Diana Darrin as Bella
Vivian Mason as Ella
Ruth Godfrey as Stella
Emmett Lynn as Lem
Kenneth MacDonald as Bill Noonan
Joe Palma as Jack Noonan
Emil Sitka as Justice of the Peace
Mort Mills as Dick Noonan
Wanda Perry as Wedding witness
Harold Breen as Wedding witness
Harriette Tarler as Mandy

Production notes

Shot in the Frontier was filmed on October 26–28, 1953, nearly one year prior to its release.^[1] It is a parody of the 1952 Stanley Kramer Western High Noon.^[2]

In 1954, two shorts were released with entirely new footage: Income Tax Sappy and Shot in the Frontier. In both productions, Shemp Howard did not slick down his long hair due to his recent commencement of hair dyeing, which initially precluded the use of pomade.^[2]

References

^ Pauley, Jim (2012). The Three Stooges Hollywood Filming Locations. Solana Beach, California: Santa Monica Press, LLC. p. 225. ISBN 9781595800701.
^ ^a ^b Solomon, Jon (2002). The Complete Three Stooges: The Official Filmography and Three Stooges Companion. Glendale, California: Comedy III Productions, Inc. p. 442. ISBN 0-9711868-0-4.