Topic: Stooges in serious roles

[Desmond Of The Outer Sanctorum]

I've noticed a few cases in this site's Stooges filmography where a solo appearance by a Stooge is described as a "serious" or "dramatic" role. The best example is probably Joe DeRita's role in THE BRAVADOS.

What cases have any of you seen where a Stooge plays a serious role, or at least does some serious acting in an otherwise comedic part? And how well did the Stooge do at it?

[Umbrella Sam]

I seem to recall Moe's role in ROCKIN' IN THE ROCKIES as being more serious than usual. For what he was given, he seemed to do alright, though the lack of team dynamic between him and the other Stooges was really distracting there and probably would've been better had they either worked together or had Moe been in it alone.

Also, I recall Shemp playing a blackmailer and murderer in CONVENTION GIRL. I only saw a few clips of it, but he seemed to do pretty well in his role.

[metaldams]

I wouldn't call it dramatic, but in INVISIBLE WOMAN, Shemp plays a henchman to the bad guy. A goofy, comic, dim witted henchman, but a henchman nonetheless.

Yeah, gotta agree with Sam about CONVENTION GIRL.

[falsealarms]

Shemp's great but CONVENTION GIRL is not. Dreadfully dull, it's the perfect solution for anyone who can't sleep.

[Shemp_Diesel]

Didn't Moe have a small bit in an Ed Bernds film? I vaguely recall it, but yeah; that may count...

[Big Chief Apumtagribonitz]

Space Master X-7

[Paul Pain]

Moe also has a serious role in DOCTOR DEATH: SEEKER OF SOULS

Curly basically is the straight man for the ever-annoying George Givot in ROAST BEEF AND MOVIES.

[falsealarms]

Moe in DOCTOR DEATH: SEEKER OF SOULS...

[Desmond Of The Outer Sanctorum]

Not a serious role per se, but I've read that Joe Besser's generally comedic role in THE DESERT HAWK (1950) has him showing some dramatic acting ability. I'd be interested in seeing his parts of this film (without having to buy it), especially the "torture rack" scene, but haven't been able to. As much as I go easy on Besser as a Stooge, I've gotten the impression that his acting ability covered the whole range from A to B, so to speak. It would be nice to find out I'm wrong.

[metaldams]

Not a serious role per se, but I've read that Joe Besser's generally comedic role in THE DESERT HAWK (1950) has him showing some dramatic acting ability. I'd be interested in seeing his parts of this film (without having to buy it), especially the "torture rack" scene, but haven't been able to. As much as I go easy on Besser as a Stooge, I've gotten the impression that his acting ability covered the whole range from A to B, so to speak. It would be nice to find out I'm wrong.

If that torture rack scene involves Besser and he says, “Not so hard!” - I’m definitely seeking it out.

[Big Chief Apumtagribonitz]

This may be the least successful thread ever on this site, for the simple reason that the stooges by their very nature were NEVER serious.  Nevertheless, I might mention the spot in Snow White and the Three Stooges when it appears that Snow White is really dead and Moe's eyes get awfully red.

[Big Chief Apumtagribonitz]

How about Moe's role in Give a Man A Job when Moe says to Jimmy Durante " I'm a plumber" ?  It's a nothing line in a nothing part, but it's certainly not comedic.

[Desmond Of The Outer Sanctorum]

If that torture rack scene involves Besser and he says, “Not so hard!” - I’m definitely seeking it out.

Actually, his character is described as being stoic and taking the torture like a man. Thus the relevance to "dramatic acting." Playing against type, if you will. That's what makes me want to see it.