Three Men on a Horse (1936)

A meek salesman with an uncanny ability to pick horses is virtually kidnapped by a trio of gamblers.

Writers:

Laird Doyle (screen play), John Cecil Holm (from the play by),

Stars:

Frank McHugh, Joan Blondell, Guy Kibbee

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Frank McHugh	...	Erwin Trowbridge
Joan Blondell	...	Mabel
Guy Kibbee	...	Carver
Carol Hughes	...	Audrey Trowbridge
Allen Jenkins	...	Charlie
Sam Levene	...	Patsy
Teddy Hart	...	Frankie
Edgar Kennedy	...	Harry
Paul Harvey	...	Clarence Dobbins
Eddie 'Rochester' Anderson	...	Moses (as Eddie Anderson)
Virginia Sale	...	Chambermaid
Harry Davenport	...	Williams
Ottola Nesmith	...	Head Nurse (as Tola Nesmith)
Eily Malyon	...	Miss Burns

Storyline

Erwin Trowbridge is a meek salesman blessed with the ability to predict winners in horse races. Even though he only dopes them out on paper and never actually bets, his wife is suspicious of his interest in horses and he's continuously bullied and browbeaten by his overbearing brother-in-law. Seeking solace in a few drinks in a local saloon, a trio of degenerate Runyonesque gamblers discover his talent and keep him a virtual prisoner in a room above the bar where they pressure him to continue to feed them his picks.

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Plot Keywords:

gambler | bar | brother in law | marriage | nausea | 

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Genres:

Comedy

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

21 November 1936 (USA)

Also Known As:

Três Homens e um Cavalo

Filming Locations:

Warner Brothers Burbank Studios - 4000 Warner Boulevard, Burbank, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Warner Bros

Technical Specs

Runtime:

86 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

A considerable number of cast members listed in studio records (with their character names) did not appear in the final print: Margaret Irving (Gloria Gray), George Chandler (Al), Cliff Saum (Bus Conductor), Harry Hayden (Man on Bus), Edith Craig (Woman Bettor), Irene Coleman (Woman Bettor), John Sheehan (Man Bettor) and Pat West (Man Bettor).

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Quotes

Frankie: We'll be in the big time again. A couple of winners and we'll be on Easy Street.
Charlie: [sarcastically] Yeah, sweepin' it!

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Connections

Remade as Three Men on a Horse (1969)

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Soundtracks

"Untitled"
(uncredited)
Music by Harry Warren
Played on the radio when Mabel performs her act for Erwin

User Reviews

Very funny 30's comedy (but also definitely dated)

The film definitely has some dated elements...even some humor that in the 30's probably would have been great but today one shrudders at their use.

Nevertheless, the film is great -- Frank McHugh plays a rare principle (which is a travesty since he is extremely funny and steals practically every scene he is in). Allen Jenkins also appears, playing another great hood (but loveable) character that he is so good at.

Watch McHugh's mastery of slight mannerisms that make his shy character come to life.