Fright Night (1947 film)

Fright Night is a 1947 short subject directed by Edward Bernds starring American slapstick comedy team The Three Stooges (Moe Howard, Larry Fine and Shemp Howard, in his first starring role after returning to the act). It is the 98th 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 boxing managers overseeing the career of the formidable pugilist, Chopper Kane. Their financial stakes in Chopper's success prompt them to wager their entire capital on his upcoming bout. However, their aspirations are imperiled when they are confronted by a menacing underworld figure, compelling them to orchestrate Chopper's defeat under threat of dire consequences.

To ensure Chopper's compliance with the knavish scheme, the Stooges employ various tactics, including indulging him with rich fare and arranging his dalliance with their acquaintance, Kitty. Yet, their stratagem backfires when Kitty forsakes Chopper for his opponent, Gorilla Watson, and a fortuitous mishap leaves Gorilla incapacitated after an encounter with Moe.

Believing they have outwitted the criminal elements, the Stooges find themselves ensnared in a perilous predicament when the gangsters ensnare them in an abandoned warehouse. However, through luck and ingenuity, the Stooges reverse the tables, apprehending the felons and ultimately receiving a commendation for their valorous actions.

Credited

 * Moe Howard as Moe
 * Larry Fine as Larry
 * Shemp Howard as Shemp
 * Dick Wessel as Chopper Kane
 * Claire Carleton as Kitty Davis

Uncredited

 * Harold Brauer as Big Mike
 * Cy Schindell as Moose
 * Heinie Conklin as Watson's manager
 * Sammy Stein as Gorilla Watson
 * Stanley Blystone as Cop
 * Dave Harper as Cop
 * Tom Kingston as Chuck

Production notes
Fright Night marked the return of Shemp Howard to the Stooges, who had last performed with the act 17 years prior. Shemp agreed to rejoin the act until brother Curly Howard recovered enough to return to the Stooges (Curly never did). It was filmed June 5–8, 1946: production commenced less than one month after Curly suffered a debilitating stroke on May 6. The film was remade in 1955 as Fling in the Ring, using ample stock footage.

A lifelong boxing fan, Fright Night was Shemp's favorite Stooge film.