Fling in the Ring

Fling in the Ring is a 1955 short subject directed by Jules White starring American slapstick comedy team The Three Stooges (Moe Howard, Larry Fine and Shemp Howard). It is the 159th 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 serve as trainers for pugilist Chopper Kane, under the employ of their employer, Big Mike, a notorious and unscrupulous figure within the realm of boxing and organized crime. Despite their allegiance to Chopper, Big Mike duplicitously wagers on Chopper's adversary, Gorilla Watson, setting the stage for a contentious scenario. Subsequently, Big Mike coerces the Stooges into ensuring Chopper's defeat, threatening dire consequences if they fail to comply.

In an attempt to sabotage Chopper's chances of victory, the Stooges endeavor to enhance his weight, thereby diminishing his agility and prowess in the ring. However, fortune unexpectedly smiles upon them when Gorilla Watson sustains an injury to his hand while attempting to strike Moe on the eve of the match.

Their victory is ephemeral, however,as Big Mike, displeased with the turn of events, dispatches his associates to apprehend the Stooges. Following a series of comical altercations, wherein the Stooges exact retribution upon Big Mike, they find themselves pursued by his henchmen. Amidst the chaos, Shemp unwittingly incapacitates both the pursuers and himself. As Moe and Larry endeavor to revive Shemp, their efforts inadvertently revive the adversaries, prompting them to hastily abscond from the scene with Shemp in tow.

Credited

 * Moe Howard as Moe
 * Larry Fine as Larry
 * Shemp Howard as Shemp
 * Frank Sully as Big Mike
 * Dick Wessel as Chopper Kane (Stock Footage)
 * Claire Carleton as Kitty Davis (Stock Footage)

Uncredited

 * Tommy Kingston as Coin Tossing Henchman
 * Harold Brauer as Henchman (Stock Footage)
 * Heinie Conklin as Watson's manager (Stock Footage)
 * Sammy Stein as Gorilla Watson (Stock Footage)
 * Cy Schindell as Moose (Stock Footage)

Production notes
Fling in the Ring serves as a remake of Fright Night (1947), employing a substantial amount of stock footage sourced from its predecessor. Additional scenes for Fling in the Ring were filmed on April 27, 1954.

Due to the unavailability of Harold Brauer, who portrayed "Big Mike" in the original Fright Night, Joe Palma doubles for him, captured from behind to emulate Brauer's character.