Out West (1947 film)

Out West is a 1947 short subject directed by Edward Bernds starring American slapstick comedy team The Three Stooges (Moe Howard, Larry Fine and Shemp Howard). It is the 99th entry in the series released by Columbia Pictures starring the comedians, who released 190 shorts for the studio between 1934 and 1959.

Plot
Shemp finds himself afflicted with a troublesome medical condition — a swollen vein in his leg, prompting concerns of potential amputation. Following medical advice, he embarks on a therapeutic sojourn to the rugged terrain of the Old West. Arriving in a town teetering on the brink of lawlessness, the Stooges encounter the enigmatic Doc Barker, a figure seemingly entrenched in the town's nefarious underbelly.

A chance encounter leads the Stooges to form an unlikely camaraderie with Barker, unaware of his true nature as an outlaw holding the Arizona Kid, Nell's paramour, captive in the depths of the saloon's basement. Upon learning of Barker's villainous identity, the Stooges devise a daring scheme to liberate the imprisoned Arizona Kid.

Their plan hinges on a game of poker, with Shemp infiltrating Barker's inner circle while Moe and Larry concoct a treacherous beverage intended to incapacitate Barker and his associates. To safeguard Shemp, they provide him with a harmless sarsaparilla. Amidst the chaos that ensues, Shemp seizes an opportunity to seize the keys to the prison cell, facilitating Nell's clandestine rescue mission.

With the situation escalating and Larry's life hanging in the balance, the Arizona Kid embarks on a mission to summon the United States Cavalry for assistance. Meanwhile, Moe and Shemp spare no effort in their endeavor to liberate Larry from captivity, utilizing every available tool at their disposal. Through a combination of resourcefulness and fortitude, the Stooges emerge triumphant, thwarting Barker's nefarious machinations and securing the release of the Arizona Kid.

Production notes
Out West was filmed July 8–11, 1946, and is the second short to feature Shemp Howard, taking the place of his brother Curly Howard. Like the previous short, Fright Night, Out West was originally written for Curly, but had to be adjusted for Shemp upon his return to the act. The film is also a remake of Pistol Packing Nitwits starring Harry Langdon and El Brendel. It would later be remade in 1954 as Pals and Gals, using ample stock footage.

The congested vein is originally in Shemp's right leg, but he favors his left leg throughout the film.