You know, there have been some bad swaps in the annals of history--and as far as comedy goes, being a Bewitched fan, the Dick York for Dick Sargent trade is the first thing that comes to mind.
But, as far as swapping Curly for Shemp, all I can say is "hell yes." Really--in spite of my username--I like to think I don't have a favorite between Shemp and Curly. Both were supreme comic geniuses in my book--and as far as stepping into the 3rd stooge role, who better than Shemp, who as we ardent stooge fans know, was the original 3rd stooge.
Hell, even before there was a defined 3rd stooge role, it was just Shemp and Moe in the act with Ted Healy. So, if anybody was ready to fill Curly's big shoes, it was Shemp. It also brings up something I've discussed on other sites a time or two--what would the rest of Moe & Larry's careers as the stooges been like if they had sought out comedians like Shemp who had their own unique brand of comedy, instead of just settling on guys who fit the Curly mold: short, fat and bald. It's an interesting idea to chew over. I wonder if Manton Moreland would have qualified as unique?
As for Fright Night, it's a very good start to what I would say is a mostly good run of Shemp shorts in this early part of the new trio's tenure--there's what I would call a little bit of a hiccup next week, but I'll get into that when the time comes.
Shemp must have really enjoyed this short, seeing as how this dealt with his favorite sport & he gets to display his own unique brand of physical comedy in the ring with Chopper--although we don't get what I would call a full on "shadowboxing dance." Got to wait 2 weeks for that.
I also enjoyed the bit where Shemp goes on about his family--particurlarly amusing is when Shemp says I got a little sister; right at that moment, just watch Moe's face and try not to crack a smile.
Overall, I would say Fright Night is very enjoyable and a great way to start the new era of stoogedom.
8 out of 10....