Three Missing Links

Three Missing Links is a 1938 short subject directed by Jules White starring American slapstick comedy team The Three Stooges (Moe Howard, Larry Fine and Curly Howard). It is the 33rd entry in the series released by Columbia Pictures starring the comedians, who appearing in 190 shorts for the studio between 1934 and 1959.

Plot
The Stooges are employed at the esteemed bastion of cinematic creativity, Super Terrific Productions, a venerable institution nestled within the heart of Hollywood. The trio assumes custodial duties, tasked with maintaining the sanctity of the studio's environs. However, their ostensibly mundane responsibilities take an unexpected turn when they inadvertently incite pandemonium within the inner sanctum of B. O. Botswaddle, the discerning curator entrusted with evaluating scripts for the forthcoming magnum opus, Jilted in the Jungle. Despite the chaos ensuing from their inadvertent actions, a serendipitous turn of events transpires as Curly, through a display of physical comedy replete with an uncanny impersonation of a chicken with its head cut off, captivates Botswaddle's attention. Botswaddle identifies Curly as the embodiment of a primeval archetype, colloquially known as the "missing link", thereby elevating the trio from custodial obscurity to the forefront of cinematic recognition.

Accompanied by Moe and Larry, Curly embarks on a cinematic journey that leads them to the lush expanses of Africa, where the verdant tapestry of the jungle provides the backdrop for their artistic pursuits. Amidst the intricacies of setting up camp, Curly embarks on a curious transaction with a purveyor of unconventional remedies, procuring "love candy" in a bid to captivate the affections of the leading lady, Mirabel Mirabel. However, the tranquility of the nocturnal hours is punctuated by an encounter with the untamed denizens of the wilderness, as a curious lion's foray into their encampment prompts a hasty retreat of the Stooges.

The following day descends into chaos as Curly, garbed in a simian costume for a scene, unwittingly becomes embroiled in a confrontation with a genuine gorilla native to the jungle. This unforeseen encounter sparks pandemonium, disrupting the harmonious workings of the film set and compelling the crew to hastily retreat. In a series of misguided events, Curly inadvertently ingests the "love candy" in an attempt to soothe the agitated gorilla, thus becoming enamored with the creature. Consequently, Curly embarks on a zealous pursuit of his newfound object of affection.

Credited
{{Cast listing|
 * Moe Howard as Moe
 * Larry Fine as Larry
 * Curly Howard as Curly
 * Monte Collins as Herbert Herringbone
 * Jane Hamilton as Mirabel Mirabel
 * Ray "Crash" Corrigan as Naba the gorilla

Uncredited

 * James C. Morton as B. O. Botswaddle
 * John Lester Johnson as Dr. Ba Loni Sulami
 * Tanner the Lion as Lion }}

Production notes
Three Missing Links was filmed on April 7–12, 1938. It is the fourth of sixteen Stooge shorts to use the word "three" in the title and the first entry directed by Columbia Pictures Short Subject head Jules White.

The clip of the Stooges arguing in B. O. Botswaddle's office was featured prominently in the 1989 film Lethal Weapon 2.

Tanner the Lion appears before the final act of the film, having previously appeared in Wee Wee Monsieur from the same year, and Movie Maniacs from 2 years prior.

Quotes

 * Moe: "We're terrific!"
 * Larry: "We're colossal!"
 * Curly: "We're even mediocre!"