Saved by the Belle

Saved by the Belle is a 1939 short subject directed by Charley Chase starring American slapstick comedy team The Three Stooges (Moe Howard, Larry Fine and Curly Howard). It is the 40th 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 itinerant salesmen traversing the fictional South American realm of Valeska, characterized as a vibrant tropical kingdom rife with seismic activity. Despite the periodic tremors that disrupt the tranquility of the town, a latent revolutionary fervor simmers beneath the surface.

The leader of the burgeoning rebellion, coincidentally the proprietor of the inn where the Stooges are lodged, resolves to shutter the establishment, precipitating a chain of events that culminate in the trio's incarceration for delinquent payment of their accommodations. Condemned to face execution under the auspices of revolutionary charges, the Stooges find themselves incarcerated, forging an alliance with Señorita Rita, a fellow revolutionary sympathizer.

Assisted by Señorita Rita, the Stooges effectuate a daring escape from captivity, only to find themselves ensnared in a series of misadventures upon joining the ranks of the rebels. Accused of delivering erroneous plans, they narrowly evade execution, their fortunes further compounded by an earthquake that facilitates their flight in a dynamite-laden vehicle.

However, their escape is short-lived as a manifestation of Curly's ineptitude precipitates the detonation of the dynamite-laden truck, thrusting the trio into yet another perilous predicament. Undeterred by the adversity they encounter, the Stooges endeavor to flee the country on horseback, yet their journey is abruptly halted by an ignominious tumble from their equine steed.

Production notes
Saved by the Belle was filmed on December 12–15, 1938. The film title is a play on the boxing expression "saved by the bell." It was the final Three Stooges short to be directed by veteran comedian Charley Chase, who died of a heart attack on June 20, 1940.

When the Stooges introduce themselves to the rebels upon their arrival, Moe is heard saying "Hello, doh!" This line is from the Stooges' "Maharaja" routine, which would be performed in future films Time Out for Rhythm, Three Little Pirates and The Three Stooges Go Around the World in a Daze.

When the Stooges are in front of the firing squad, believing they are to get their picture taken, Curly poses and says to Moe "I'm gonna send one home to Elaine". This is a reference to his then-wife Elaine Ackerman, whom he was married to from 1937 to 1940.

Curly almost laughs and breaks character when the team lands on the horse at the end of the short.