http://www.threestooges.net/filmography/episode/54http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0033565/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1These shorts are a joy to watch every week at this point, and DUTIFUL BUT DUMB continues this amazing little run the boys are on. Definitely a top tier Stooge short, and one that holds some childhood memories for me, so a bit of nostalgia kicks in.
First off, the DePuyster couple at the beginning are fantastic. A pure send up of the melodramatic couples Hollywood turned out in the era, they're obviously overplaying for laughs. I always get a kick out of the "supreme moment" line. Could you imagine if an Abbott and Costello or MGM Marx Brothers or Laurel and Hardy feature had a romantic couple played for laughs instead of playing it straight the whole time? I think it would be a refreshing change of pace. Also, Marjorie Deanne is probably top five for me on The Stooge female hottie-o-meter.
The boys themselves are all in fine form. The scene in the developing room is a riot. First Curly's watch gag, (later revisited in RHYTHM AND WEEP), is great, and him and Moe just have this great verbal back and forth until it climaxes with Moe ramming Curly's head in the developing fluid. One of those things that does not sound funny when I type it, but watching it all unfold is pure bliss.
Also want to mention any short that has both Bud Jamison and Vernon Dent in great roles is a winner.
Of course, there is also the legendary oyster soup gag. As stated on this website, it is believed to be originated from the Mack Sennett 1925 short WANDERING WILLIES, also directed by Del Lord. That short is available on the SLAPSTICK ENCYCLOPEDIA DVD set, and if you need a good silent comedy intro, buy that set now, before finishing reading this review even. That said, the gag's been done a million times, but never better than Curly does it here. A truly classic bit of comedy, ranks up there with the maze of pipes in PLUMBING.
Another kick ass short.
10/10