Higher Than a Kite is a 1943 short subject directed by Del Lord starring American slapstick comedy team The Three Stooges (Moe Howard, Larry Fine and Curly Howard). It is the 72nd entry in the series released by Columbia Pictures starring the comedians, who released 190 shorts for the studio between 1934 and 1959.
| Higher Than a Kite | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | Del Lord |
| Written by | Monte Collins Elwood Ullman |
| Produced by | Del Lord Hugh McCollum |
| Starring | Moe Howard Larry Fine Curly Howard Vernon Dent Dick Curtis Duke York |
| Cinematography | John Stumar |
| Edited by | Paul Borofsky |
| Distributed by | Columbia Pictures |
Release date |
|
Running time | 17:28 |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Plot
editThe Stooges want to fly for the Royal Air Force but find themselves relegated to the role of mechanics in an airport garage. Assigned the task of remedying a mysterious squeaking noise emanating from the Colonel's car by his assistant, Kelly, the Stooges embark on a series of misadventures. Moe's mishap, resulting in his head becoming lodged in a pipe, sets the tone for their subsequent escapades.
As the trio endeavors to resolve the vehicle's issue, their efforts yield chaos, culminating in the inadvertent disassembly of the engine. Their ignorance regarding the nature of the squeak further complicates matters, leaving them at a loss. Subsequently, the Stooges find themselves on the run after Kelly discovers their mishap, seeking refuge in a blockbuster bomb mistaken for a sewer pipe.
Events take a dramatic turn as the blockbuster is dropped behind enemy lines (reflecting the recent British bombing of Cologne, Germany in June 1942).[1] In a bid to evade capture, Moe and Curly adopt disguises as German officers, while Larry assumes the role of a woman named "Moronica." Their subterfuge leads to encounters with General Bommel and Marshall Boring (caricatures of German military figures Erwin Rommel and Hermann Göring), respectively, as they navigate a comedic flirtation with "Moronica."
In a moment of daring, the Stooges seize enemy secrets from under the noses of the Nazi officers, incapacitating them in the process. However, their escape is not without additional absurdity, as Curly inadvertently acquires an uninvited attachment in the form of a bulldog adorned in U.S. Marines regalia.
Cast
editCredited
edit- Moe Howard as Moe
- Larry Fine as Larry
- Curly Howard as Curly
Uncredited
edit- Duke York as Kelly
- Dick Curtis as General Bommel
- Vernon Dent as Marshall Boring
- Johnny Kascier as German Soldier
- George Gray as German Soldier
- Joe Garcio as German Soldier
Production notes
editHigher Than a Kite was filmed over five days on February 20–25, 1943.[2] It was the only Stooge film to feature supporting actor Duke York in a non-monster role.[3]
Footage of Moe getting his head wedged inside a pipe was reused in the 1960 compilation feature film Stop! Look! and Laugh!.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b Solomon, Jon. (2002) The Complete Three Stooges: The Official Filmography and Three Stooges Companion, p. 230; Comedy III Productions, Inc., ISBN 0-9711868-0-4
- ^ Higher Than a Kite at threestooges.net
- ^ Galbraith IV, Stuart (July 7, 2012). "The Three Stooges: The Ultimate Collection". DVD Talk. Retrieved September 5, 2013.