Horsing Around (1957) User Reviews

Different than most, but also somewhat similar

[Horst_In_Translation · 4/10 · 12 February 2016]

"Horsing Around" is a 16-minute Stooges short from almost 60 years ago. By 1957, Curly and Shemp were already dead, so Joe took over as the third member and at around 50, he was the youngest of the trio. Moe was 60 and Larry in his mid-50s, so it should not come as a surprise that this one here is one of the very late works from the famous comedy gang. And they were looking for new recipes to keep their comedy fresh. In general, during their later years, it was often the case that they included extra characters like the horse in this case because nobody from the trio really had Curly's star potential to have the film built around him. Then again, I personally always liked Moe and Larry at least as much. I am not really sure if a talking horse is the right way, but lovers of the old Stooges film will find the usual slapstick comedy, plays on words and goofy punching violence they loved in these old films. There are some of the old ones that I not considered classics, so I cannot say that it's new (new is very weird in terms of 1957, but you know what I mean), so this one must suck automatically. Still I did not really enjoy the watch or the comedy, but that has to do with me not being a great Stooges fan in general and because I only really enjoy very few of their very many short films. I do not recommend "Horsing Around". Thumbs down.

worst episode ever

[mlcs_2099 · 1/10 · 2 April 2003]

Egads! I recently had the displeasure of seeing an uncut print of this so-called comedy and felt like gouging out my own eyes afterwards. I can't even begin to describe the level of suck this short film attains, but be warned stoogeheads, if you haven't seen this then don't, or at the very least view it once and set fire to the tape afterwards!(Moe and Larry didn't deserve this!!!)

Grade: F, hell grade Z

Even worse than the already bad "Hoofs And Goofs"

[holme-1 · 24 June 2001]

This is the second worst stooge short. It is also a follow-up to "Hoofs And Goofs". The plot makes no sense especially since in the original, "Hoofs And Goofs" the end turned out to be a dream, but in this one, its real life. Plus, the plot about a talking horse is extremely stupid, and I knew this one was a stinker when I saw the horse rock her baby in the cradle! Once again, Besser is his annoying self, and even though he actually does get some punishment(mostly from Larry)this episode is still poorly written and there are only two parts that are mildly funny. Plus, the funniest one here isn't any of the stooges, it is supporting actor Emil Sitka. Overall, a terrible episode.

Rating: D-

Movie Nuttball likes everything & anything....apparently.

[maxcellus46 · 1/10 · 17 December 2005]

Grade ZZZZ and from 1 to 10? I'd give it about a -5000! It's a stupid concept even for the Stooges to even consider but a contract is a contract and stinko script or not they had to do it. This is the very germ that killed off the whole studio system in the 1950's. Big stars like Cagney, Bogart, Edward G. Robinson actually preferred not working as opposed to starring in just any kind of muck script they were handed. And Columbia being less and less interested in producing two reel comedies must have thought that they'd not only kill short comedies off but the Stooges careers as well. And with a 300 pound blubbering blubber ball like Joe Besser included as a "third stooge", it was like dragging Dracula out into the very light of day. A Sure killer. This short is not to be taken as any serious example of Stooge comedy by any stretch of the imagination. This short is more like a first draft of Sesame Street or Romper Room. Strictly for the 1 to 4 year old type of audience. Shame on you Moe and Larry! You should have sued Columbia for violation of "artistic integrity" or something or just gone on strike.

Enter Joe Besser as Shemp's replacement!

[thejcowboy22 · 3/10 · 5 November 2019]

The fall 1978. I'm away at college in my dorm watching The Three Stooges with my friend Mark. TV 38 WSBK in Boston showed the Stooges every afternoon at 4:30. Three Episodes with commercials. Usually two Curly episodes with a Shemp sandwiched in the middle frame. My Friend Mark would always chant "Let's Go Joe!' before every episode. I ask why and he said Joe Besser episodes are rare. Let me explain. The Three Stooges consisted on Three dunderheads. Moe Howard The leader of the trio and dominant bully of the other two yet also clueless in most situations. Larry Fine, homely with frizzy hair sprouting sideways yet seems to be the peanut butter holding the group together. Finally Jerome "Curly " Howard. Moe's younger, portly, crew cut brother who wears multiple of sweaters and pants that do not fit properly. Curly despite his weight was very agile and made Nyuk nyuk sounds when he couldn't remember his lines to fill the voids in dialogue. Curly was beloved by millions of Stooges fans as the third wheel in this compilation of historic comedy. Unfortunately due to excessive drinking and unhealthy weight gain Curly Suffered a stroke which took away his speech and mobility. Enter Moe's other brother, seasoned character actor Shemp Howard who's resume in Hollywood was vast. Shemp worked with John Wayne, Randolph Scott , Abbott and Costello and the great W.C. Fields. Shemp joined the Stooges in 1946 until his fatal heart in November 1955. Shemp was under contract to complete four more shorts to round out the years worth to honor the Columbia picture's contract. So the producers hired a stand in to replace Shemp ,known as the "Fake Shemp' only showing a double with his back to the camera. Even the director's of today use the term "Fake Shemp' when in need of double to complete a scene without the original actor present. This takes us to the Third member Joe Besser who was built and bald the likes of Curly. There was one difference. Joe made it clear that Moe is not aloud to strike him in any of their shorts. The first installment "Horsing Around" Birdie who is Moe's sister shows up (Reincarnated) as a talking horse. The voice is provided by Harriette Tarler. Birdie has a problem. Her Mate Named Schnapps who is a famous circus horse is injured and will be put down. She is pregnant with pony and the Stooges fall into action putting Birdie to bed in their apartment as the nosy landlord hears horse sounds. The Stooges go to the circus to retrieve Schnapps. In reality the new formula for the NEW Stooges is a disaster. The only saving grace is that the story line which is totally absurd, tickled my funny bone. I watched this episode twice in my lifetime. The first time with an enthusiastic friend and many years later with my daughter. I asked her the name of Moe's sister and she replied, "MOISHA?"

Not my favorite short

[tciliberto1 · 1/10 · 25 July 2020]

The plot is silly, even for the stooges. I can barely sit through this one.

Good Three Stooges short!

[Movie Nuttball · 10/10 · 1 March 2005]

The Three Stooges has always been some of the many actors that I have loved. I love just about every one of the shorts that they have made. I love all six of the Stooges (Curly, Shemp, Moe, Larry, Joe, and Curly Joe)! All of the shorts are hilarious and also star many other great actors and actresses which a lot of them was in many of the shorts! In My opinion The Three Stooges is some of the greatest actors ever and is the all time funniest comedy team!

One of the most different Three Stooges shorts is Horsing Around. In this short are Emil Sitka, Harriet Tarlor, Harriette Tarler, and Tony The Wonder Horse. The acting by these actors are good especially by Sitka Tony The Wonder Horse. There are many funny scenes here that I think most Three Stooges fans will love! In My opinion this one of the most different Three Stooges shorts. I recommend this one!