Back to the Woods (1937)

A 17th Century English judge orders three miscreants to defend the new British colonies in New England against its residential Native Americans.

Director:

Jack White (as Preston Black)

Writers:

Andrew Bennison (screenplay), Searle Kramer (story)

Stars:

Moe Howard, Larry Fine, Curly Howard

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Curly Howard	...	Curly (as Curly)
Larry Fine	...	Larry (as Larry)
Moe Howard	...	Moe (as Moe)

Storyline

Set in colonial times, the Stooges, convicted as criminals, are banished from England to the American colonies. When they arrive, they find the colonists starving because the local residential Native Americans will not allow them on their hunting grounds. The Stooges go hunting anyway and, mistaking native feather headdresses for wild turkeys, fight for their lives. During their wild escapades, Larry is captured, whereby Moe and Curly mount an immediate rescue.

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Plot Keywords:

slapstick comedy | russian squat dance | object dropped on foot | impromptu dancing | kicked in the butt | 

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Genres:

Short | Comedy | Western

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Trivia

The first Stooges short to re-use old footage; the canoe scene at the end is from Whoops, I'm an Indian! (1936), which was why they change clothes before boarding the canoe (to match the footage).

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Goofs

At 2:11 when the judge slams his gavel, the top of it accidentally breaks and flies off. Larry Fine can be seen almost starting to laugh as he watches the broken piece land on the floor, before quickly regaining his composure and continuing the scene as normal.

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Quotes

Governor: [after returning to his house to see his daughters and the Stooges dancing to the music box] FIE! FIE! What means this frivolity?
[the music box still plays and the governor turns to it]
Governor: QUIET!
[the music stops]

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Connections

Featured in Girl 27 (2007)

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Soundtracks

A-Hunting We Will Go
(uncredited)
Composed by Thomas Agustine Arne

User Reviews

'Corned Beef And Savages'

We are back in "Merrie Old England" and the boys say they are related to the Three Musketeers but the court says they are criminals who tried to attack His Majesty's guards. They are sentenced to New Cape Prison for 55 years. The prosecutor, played by Stooges regular and favorite Bud Jamieson, however, recommends the court save money and send these "knaves to the new colonies in America to fight the redskin savages." That sounds good to Curly. "I just love corned beef and savages," he says.

Soon we see three beautiful pilgrims who open the door to let in the Stooges. The boys are impressed. Who wouldn't be with these gorgeous governor's daughters: "Faith," "Hope," and "Charity?" Poor Charity is third pick of the lot. Larry says he doesn't charity because he's already on the WPA (Willing Pilgrims Association.). Yup, comedy was really corny back in the 1930s.

It gets cornier as it goes on, with a prolonged dance scene, a horse racing skit, a funny speech by a Chief who is labeled "an Indian giver," and then some more corny antics by the Stooges as they go out "a-hunting-we-will go" to get food for their new sweethearts.

The second half features the hunting scenes and The Boys various encounters with the Indians. Yes, it's pretty crude stuff, but it generally funny material.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

14 May 1937 (USA)

Also Known As:

A Cor de Suas Peles

Company Credits

Production Co:

Columbia Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

19 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Victor High Fidelity Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1