Punch Drunks

Punch Drunks is a 1934 short subject directed by Lou Breslow starring American slapstick comedy team The Three Stooges (Moe Howard, Larry Fine and Jerry Howard). It is the second entry in the series released by Columbia Pictures starring the comedians, who released 190 short subjects for the studio between 1934 and 1959.

In 2002, Punch Drunks became the first and only Stooge film to be selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".

Plot
Moe, a struggling boxing manager, finds himself embroiled in a tumultuous lunchtime confrontation with his disgruntled fighters, who threaten to abandon him due to unpaid wages. A serendipitous turn of events unfolds as strolling violinist Larry unwittingly triggers a violent outburst from the timid waiter, Curly, upon playing the melody of "Pop Goes the Weasel". Seizing upon this unexpected display of physical prowess, Moe swiftly enlists Curly as a boxer and engages Larry to play the titular tune during Curly's matches, enabling him to effortlessly defeat opponents and secure prize money.

As Curly undergoes rigorous training under Moe's guidance, a chance encounter with a stranded female motorist interrupts their routine. Despite Moe's admonition against entanglements with women, Curly aids the young lady, propelled by the musical accompaniment provided by Larry.

Adopting the moniker "K.O. Stradivarius," Curly ascends to prominence in the boxing arena, positioning himself as the leading contender for the heavyweight championship. However, on the eve of the title match, Moe discovers Curly in the company of the lady, prompting a stern reprimand and a directive to focus solely on the impending bout.

The championship showdown ensues, with reigning titleholder Killer Kilduff asserting his dominance by swiftly dispatching Curly from the ring, causing devastation to Larry's violin in the process. Desperate to revive Curly's fighting spirit, Larry embarks on a frantic quest to procure an alternative means of playing the tune. Amidst the tumult of the bout, Larry's resourcefulness prevails as he secures a radio broadcasting the melody, revitalizing Curly's resolve.

However, just as Curly gains momentum, the radio abruptly shifts its broadcast, interrupting the crucial musical accompaniment and tilting the scales in Kilduff's favor once more. Frustration mounts as Moe and Larry scramble to restore the melody, resorting to unconventional methods in their pursuit.

Ultimately, Larry commandeers a politician's campaign truck equipped with the desired tune, crashing into the arena to deliver the decisive musical aid. Empowered by the restored melody, Curly rallies to secure victory, claiming the championship title.

Cast

 * Moe Howard as Moe
 * Larry Fine as Larry
 * Jerry Howard as Curly (K.O. Stradivarius)
 * Chuck Callahan as Mr. McGurn
 * Dutch Hendrian as spokesman mug
 * Frank Moran as 3rd mug in restaurant (with cut over eye)
 * Dorothy Granger as Curly's girlfriend
 * Al Hill as Killer Kilduff
 * William Irving as Killer Kilduff's fight manager
 * Billy Bletcher as ring announcer
 * Larry McGrath as referee
 * Arthur Housman as timekeeper
 * Harry Watson as gumball-throwing boy
 * Jack "Tiny" Lipson as spectator seated next to Curly's girlfriend
 * Charles King as man who falls off moving truck

Production and significance
The script for Punch Drunks was written by the Stooges, credited as "Jerry Howard, Larry Fine, and Moe Howard". According to Moe, the initial treatment of the script was originated by him; on its strength, the studio decided to produce the Stooges' next film sooner than scheduled. Filming was completed May 2–5, 1934.

In 2002, Punch Drunks was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant", the only Stooge film to achieve such an honor.