False Alarms (film)

False Alarms is a 1936 short subject directed by Del Lord starring American slapstick comedy team The Three Stooges (Moe Howard, Larry Fine and Curly Howard). It is the 17th entry in the series released by Columbia Pictures starring the comedians, who released 190 shorts for the studio between 1934 and 1959.

Plot
The Stooges are firefighters whose penchant for off-duty pursuits frequently lands them in trouble. Threatened with dismissal by their superior, Captain Ashe, due to repeated negligence, the trio faces heightened scrutiny. Amidst their assigned task of cleaning fire hoses, a mishap ensues when Curly inadvertently damages the hoses, leading to a precarious situation that nearly costs them their employment.

Simultaneously, Curly's clandestine rendezvous with his girlfriend, Maisie, escalates when he attempts to involve Moe and Larry in the outing. However, their plans are thwarted by Moe's strict adherence to duty, resulting in a comedic struggle for freedom initiated by Larry. Desperate to escape, Curly resorts to triggering a false fire alarm, unwittingly causing chaos within the fire station.

Upon discovering Curly's ploy, Moe and Larry join the group, and a reckless escapade ensues as they race through town in Captain Ashe's newly acquired coupé. Their reckless driving culminates in a collision, trapping them and their companions in the vehicle. Amidst the chaos, a series of comedic confrontations unfold, involving Curly's love interests and a farcical physical altercation. As the chaos escalates, the damaged coupé becomes a source of further trouble, culminating in a chaotic pursuit by Captain Ashe and the fire crew. Fleeing in a Bekins van, the Stooges narrowly evade capture.

Production notes
False Alarms was filmed on location in Los Angeles, California on May 19–22, 1936. The following landmarks appear in the film:
 * Fire station: Engine No. 61 and Truck No. 61 (at 5821 West 3rd Street)
 * Carl X Folsom Modern Motor Service (at 200 North Larchmont Boulevard)
 * Max Factor Make-up Studio
 * Remington Rand, Inc.
 * Safeway Stores
 * Ashley Apartments
 * Bekins movers
 * Ozarks Drugstore
 * Los Angeles Railway trolley No. 400
 * Silvertown Tires