The Three Stooges in Orbit

Rating:
Summary: One of the 4 Best Three Stooges Features
Review: After the huge success of "The Three Stooges Meet Hercules"(1961), Columbia Pictures didn't waste time in signing Normandy Productions(Moe's son-in-law's film studio)to produce another stooge picture. Titled "The Three Stooges In Orbit"(1962), it is one of the team's funniest films and is almost on a par with their best feature "The Outlaws Is Coming."

The plot: After being thrown out of every apartment and hotel in Los Angeles, the Stooges take shelter in Professor Danforth's(Emil Sitka) spooky mansion. The boys are TV stars and they need a place to rehearse their lines for their television show, The 3 Stooges Scrapbook. Soon after their arrival, Danforth starts talking about Martians trying to steal his secret war machine. The trio thinks he's off his rocker, but it doesn't take long for them to learn the truth and the mayhem begins.

The Three Stooges Scrapbook was an actual unsold pilot for an unsold TV series in 1960. The footage of the haunted mansion and the Stooges on their TV show was derived from this show. "The Three Stooges In Orbit"(1962) was Moe, Larry, and Joe's last shining moment at the box-office. Soon their popularity would begin to slip. They had reached their peak in this terrific film. It was directed by Edward Bernds, the talented man who directed Shemp's first short, "Fright Night"(1947) and the classic "Brideless Groom"(1947) among many others. If you liked "Have Rocket, Will Travel"(1959) check out "The Three Stooges In Orbit"(1962).

Rating:
Summary: Sci-Fi Stooges
Review: Another great Stooges film. This one starts out in the Stooges's apartment, takes them to a spooky old mansion, to outer space and then to a television studio.

Rating:
Summary: Probably the best of the Three Stooges feature films
Review: By the end of the 1950s Harry Cohn the head of Columbia had died and the shorts department had been shut down, which meant after almost 200 two-reelers the Three Stooges were out of work. Although there would be a big Three Stooges revival on television in the next decade, the boys (Moe Howard, Larry Fine, and Joe DeRita) decided to make feature films. The first was "Have Rocket Will Travel," and "The Three Stooges in Orbit" was their fourth effort.

This 1962 film begins with Moe, Larry and Curly Joe being kicked out of their boarding house because they keep cooking in their room and ending up in the mansion of Professor Danforth (Emil Sitka from the Stooge's stock company of players). The professor has created a new vehicle for the military that is a tank, submarine and helicopter roled into one. However, the brilliant scientist is apparently also a loon, because he insists that Martians want to steal his invention and then take over the world. The Stooges decide the professor is crazy and in fact Danforth is wrong. The Martians, Ogg and Zogg, just want to destroy the Earth, not take it over. For that matter the title of this film is wrong too, because the Stooges ending up in orbit is one of the shorter gags in the film. There is also an uninspiring romantic sub-plot between the professor's daughter, Carol (Carol Christensen) and Captain Tom Andrews (Edson Stroll) that makes the dancing Martians look good.

Still, "The Three Stooges in Orbit" is one of the better Three Stooges film, and the credit goes to writer Elwood Ullman who provides not only a coherent plot (a rarity when it comes to the Stooges) but a lot of pretty good one-liners. Keep in mind that the Stooges were in their Sixties at this point, so the slapping and eye-poking does not work as well when the actors are grandparents. The end result is not classic Three Stooges comedy, but a decent enough effort from the boys at the tail end of their long careers. Still, it is hard not to wonder what this film would have been liked if it had been made 20 years earlier when Curly was in his prime.

Rating:
Summary: Probably the best of the Three Stooges feature films
Review: By the end of the 1950s Harry Cohn the head of Columbia had died and the shorts department had been shut down, which meant after almost 200 two-reelers the Three Stooges were out of work. Although there would be a big Three Stooges revival on television in the next decade, the boys (Moe Howard, Larry Fine, and Joe DeRita) decided to make feature films. The first was "Have Rocket Will Travel," and "The Three Stooges in Orbit" was their fourth effort.

This 1962 film begins with Moe, Larry and Curly Joe being kicked out of their boarding house because they keep cooking in their room and ending up in the mansion of Professor Danforth (Emil Sitka from the Stooge's stock company of players). The professor has created a new vehicle for the military that is a tank, submarine and helicopter roled into one. However, the brilliant scientist is apparently also a loon, because he insists that Martians want to steal his invention and then take over the world. The Stooges decide the professor is crazy and in fact Danforth is wrong. The Martians, Ogg and Zogg, just want to destroy the Earth, not take it over. For that matter the title of this film is wrong too, because the Stooges ending up in orbit is one of the shorter gags in the film. There is also an uninspiring romantic sub-plot between the professor's daughter, Carol (Carol Christensen) and Captain Tom Andrews (Edson Stroll) that makes the dancing Martians look good.

Still, "The Three Stooges in Orbit" is one of the better Three Stooges film, and the credit goes to writer Elwood Ullman who provides not only a coherent plot (a rarity when it comes to the Stooges) but a lot of pretty good one-liners. Keep in mind that the Stooges were in their Sixties at this point, so the slapping and eye-poking does not work as well when the actors are grandparents. The end result is not classic Three Stooges comedy, but a decent enough effort from the boys at the tail end of their long careers. Still, it is hard not to wonder what this film would have been liked if it had been made 20 years earlier when Curly was in his prime.

Rating:
Summary: The question remains of Ogg and Zogg
Review: Gather 'round my friends. That's it make room for everyone. C'mon now kids up in front...everyone comfortable? Can you hear me in the back? Clem, how's your ma doing? Good good. Well folks I've gathered you all here tonight to tell you a tale of intrigue, hope, lost love, sentimental childhood, and the Cold War... That's right Gus, you hit the nail right on the head, The Three Stooges in Orbit.

First off there's the music, that sweet single violin playing those sad notes in a scale of D minor. It always reminded me of the girl I spent one magical summer with on the beach, I'll never forget her.

The plot is rich and has many side stories that the cretons of today's 20 minute SitCom and microwave burritos would fail to appreciate. That being said, let's look at the story and break it down as best we can.....

The Stooges are trying to break into TV amid various problems, sponsor buffoons ("Aw said aw want a whole new type of a cartoon show"), meddling executives ("They'll never make it J.B. They'll never make it") Obviously the Stooges are attacking Columbia Pictures. The Three Stooges are an American icon who's talant was wasted and taken for granted, while the second rate Abbot and Costello team made millions. I salute thee Mr. Howard, not only for your skill of acting the tragic Greek classics, but also for the violence of Shakespeare.

The Cold War was in full swing by 1962. (This was also the year that Marilyn Monroe died, so like all artists with sentimental hearts, the Stooges had to pay tribute to the fallen goddess.) Notice the general in this movie, see how fat he is, the overflowing girth of a belly. He represented all the fat profiteers who keep the war rumors blowing. The weapon contracts, the spy equipment, the NASA program (who would fake a moon landing just 7 years later using the same special effects from this movie!)The Stooges were pacifists who used this film as a cry out to the world to end it's jealous and violent way. After all, it was Shemp who pinted out in 1953 that 'The War to end all Wars' ended 35 years ago.

Now Ogg and Zogg are interesting characters and there is some argument over their meaning. Some took them as a religious symbol. Moe was Jewish as were his two brothers Shemp and Curly. Were Ogg and Zogg a tribute not only to his late brothers, but a warning that could have been influenced by the Torah? Ignore the subtitles and listen to the actual words of Ogg and Zogg. They are speaking an ancient Arabic tongue and are quoting Dead Sea Scrolls. The guy standing in line behind me at the Salvation Army soup kitchen told me this. He was there when the movie was made, he worked as a grip. He said Ogg and Zogg WERE NOT costumes. He claims to have had relations with the woman who has in the shower scene being frightened by the 'aerosubmatank'. Her real name was Shelly and she died shortly after her second Hollywood appearance as a dancing extra in 'Martian Beach Party'. Apparantly she went into a coma after sampling a super diet version of Dr. Pepper that was never put out on the market.

The Stooges were obviously more than the funniest comedy team that ever existed, they were prophets, scholars and finally martyrs. Ya'll come back soon and I'll tell you of the REAL story behind 'The Three Stooges meet Hercules'.

Rating:
Summary: For the very young, I guess....
Review: I saw this on TV when I was about five or six, and really enjoyed it. I was especially impressed by the submarine/tank/helicopter. Years later there were a special showing at the theater, so I took a young boy. Unfortunately, I wasn't impressed this time--and neither was he. He was apparently too old. Although this movie stars Moe and Larry, it doesn't have Shemp or Curly--it has Joe de Rita, one of the later Curly clones. On the second viewing the only time I really enjoyed it was at the end, when the Martians (who were vaguely Frankenstein-looking) started doing the Twist. Hey, it was shot in the early '60's, remember? So I guess I could recommend this film for the very young. Beyond that, even if you are a Stooges' fan, I think you'll be disappointed.

Rating:
Summary: "The Three Stooges"stop a Martian invasion and Get laughs!
Review: Once again."The Three Stooges"Spoof Science fiction films.But in this cinematic venture.They never leave the earth.But they still save the human race from invaiders from Mars.And still get laughs Too! The plot has our bumbling trio trying to find new lodgings(After they get thrown out of their old rooming house.When "Curly Joe's"Cooking is spotted by their unkind landlady and the boys are forced to look for another home).Their househunting leads the team to "Hawk Hill Manor".The home of goofy scientist/inventor"Prof.Danforth"(Played here by perreniel Stooge Foil Emil Sitka)and his daughter Carol(Carol Christiansen)."Prof.Danforth"has inadvertedly discovered that his butler is really a spy for the martians.Who want to steal the scientist's new invention:A combination sub/hellicopter and tank and use it to conquer the earth.AT first,Moe,Larry And "Curly Joe"Think "Prof.Danforth"is totally off his rocker.But when the martian spy threatens them with his ray gun.The boys are now convinced that the earth is doomed.Unless they help their new landlord stop these alien madmen from destroying the human race.To complicate matters.The Stooges(Who are three struggling kids tv hosts/performers)are told by their not too understanding bosses at the tv station"Either create,produce and air a new cartoon and new comedy skits on your show before the next meeting of the station execs and the sponsors in two weeks or you're through!".And it doesn't help matter much that the boys louse up "Prof.Danforth's"Attemps to sell his invention to a tough no nonsense general during a failed test of the secret weapon.Most of the topical jabs at 1960's tv is dated and again The romantic leads:Ms.Christiansen and Edison Stroll(Who had already worked with the team in the ill fated:"Snow White & The Three Stooges"a year before at 20th Century Fox)as a handsome but not too bright US Air Force Capt.hamper the film a bit.But The Stooges Make up for these flaws with their tried and true slapstick and some exciting battles with the two Alien Spies"Zogg & Ogg".Originally.This film was ment to be a live action/Animated TV Cartoon kids show pilot for Saturday morning TV.When the series pilot:"The Three Stooges Scrapbook"was turned down by many tv execs.Normandy Productions Manager/producer and director:Norman Maurer turned the show into the team's second feature film instead.A wise choice and a funny one at that!

Rating:
Summary: Moe, Larry & Curly Joe in Orbit
Review: The Three Stooges play themselves as TV stars. After getting kick out of their apartment and a long day of looking for a place to live, the boys meet up with Professor Danfort (Emil Sitka, a regular after the Curly days). The professor has invented a tank/helicopter/submarine vehicle for the military. The Army doesn't want it since it flies, the Air force doesn't want it since it goes under water, etc. The professor has suspected that the Martins want his device for their world and to destroy the earth. Moe, Larry and Curly Joe wind up baby-sitting the contraption, giving it nuclear capability and almost help the Martins in their quest.

If you like the Three Stooges you will enjoy this movie.

The DVD contains no extras.

Rating:
Summary: Surprising in its ambitiousness.
Review: This is not your typical Three Stooges short. This is a full length feature film. The beginning is inspirational, starting with images of classic pen and ink drawings of Martians, with a Mike Wallace-type narrative. What follows is a typical Three Stooges routine, regarding hotel regulations against cooking, and the Three Stooges' quest for finding a new place to live. Eventually, the trio finds residence in a scientist's home, where they view his invention (a flying submarine) and discover spies from Mars. The scientist is on the verge of successfully marketing his invention to the U.S. military. The Three Stooges successfully derail the Martians' attempt to take over the earth. The narrative builds up slowly, with amusing footage of a small mockup of the flying submarine, and then, the actual flying submarine, and eventually, footage of an actual atomic bomb blast over the Pacific Ocean. The flying submarine is the size of a mobile home, and it is actually shown to fly. It is a Rube Goldberg gadget, with the charm of the Beatles' Yellow Submarine. It is shown to fly over the Egyptian pyramids, over New York City, over Athens, and over San Francisco. The film is reminiscent of Speilberg's zany and astonishing movie, 1941, as well as of the clever and heartwarming The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle (2000), featuring Jason Alexander and Robert DeNiro. But please save your money and use it, instead, for buying 1941 or for the 2000 production of Rocky and Bullwinkle. Despite its ambitious qualities, the film under review has some detracting qualities. Although Three Stooges in Orbit has some clever moments, e.g., the exchange of the submarine's carburator for an atomic bomb about to be tested in the desert, and some amusing moments, e.g., when the flying submarine flies past a laundry line, thereby propelling a woman's brassiere into the face of a U.S. military general, there are some problems. First of all, the martians are ugly and irritating to look at. They are obviously just actors in rubber Frankenstein masks. How uncreative. If the martians had the typical Roswell, Arizona appearance, then I'd give this movie a higher rating. Another problem, a minor one, is the scene showing Curly repeatedly being hit on the head with a crowbar being shoved through a wall. This is not amusing. Another problem is that the film tries to be a monster movie and a science fiction movie at the same time. Much of the story takes place in the scientist's scary castle. Perhaps it would have been better for these sequences to take place in a university laboratory, e.g., at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Please recall that the Three Stooges do have one film short taking place in a college laboratory: "Violent is the Word for Curly" (1938), one of the cleverest and funniest of all Three Stooges shorts. In Violent is the Word for Curly, the Three Stooges are mistaken for elitist college professors. And so, it might have been nice for Three Stooges in Orbit to be based in a college laboratory. Also the sound is bad. There are cracklings throughout. These irritating crackling sounds can also be found in abundance in the video version of the story of Alexander Graham Bell, featuring Don Ameche.

Rating:
Summary: Surprising in its ambitiousness.
Review: This is not your typical Three Stooges short. This is a full length feature film. The beginning is inspirational, starting with images of classic pen and ink drawings of Martians, with a Mike Wallace-type narrative. What follows is a typical Three Stooges routine, regarding hotel regulations against cooking, and the Three Stooges' quest for finding a new place to live. Eventually, the trio finds residence in a scientist's home, where they view his invention (a flying submarine) and discover spies from Mars. The scientist is on the verge of successfully marketing his invention to the U.S. military. The Three Stooges successfully derail the Martians' attempt to take over the earth. The narrative builds up slowly, with amusing footage of a small mockup of the flying submarine, and then, the actual flying submarine, and eventually, footage of an actual atomic bomb blast over the Pacific Ocean. The flying submarine is the size of a mobile home, and it is actually shown to fly. It is a Rube Goldberg gadget, with the charm of the Beatles' Yellow Submarine. It is shown to fly over the Egyptian pyramids, over New York City, over Athens, and over San Francisco. The film is reminiscent of Speilberg's zany and astonishing movie, 1941, as well as of the clever and heartwarming The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle (2000), featuring Jason Alexander and Robert DeNiro. But please save your money and use it, instead, for buying 1941 or for the 2000 production of Rocky and Bullwinkle. Despite its ambitious qualities, the film under review has some detracting qualities. Although Three Stooges in Orbit has some clever moments, e.g., the exchange of the submarine's carburator for an atomic bomb about to be tested in the desert, and some amusing moments, e.g., when the flying submarine flies past a laundry line, thereby propelling a woman's brassiere into the face of a U.S. military general, there are some problems. First of all, the martians are ugly and irritating to look at. They are obviously just actors in rubber Frankenstein masks. How uncreative. If the martians had the typical Roswell, Arizona appearance, then I'd give this movie a higher rating. Another problem, a minor one, is the scene showing Curly repeatedly being hit on the head with a crowbar being shoved through a wall. This is not amusing. Another problem is that the film tries to be a monster movie and a science fiction movie at the same time. Much of the story takes place in the scientist's scary castle. Perhaps it would have been better for these sequences to take place in a university laboratory, e.g., at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Please recall that the Three Stooges do have one film short taking place in a college laboratory: "Violent is the Word for Curly" (1938), one of the cleverest and funniest of all Three Stooges shorts. In Violent is the Word for Curly, the Three Stooges are mistaken for elitist college professors. And so, it might have been nice for Three Stooges in Orbit to be based in a college laboratory. Also the sound is bad. There are cracklings throughout. These irritating crackling sounds can also be found in abundance in the video version of the story of Alexander Graham Bell, featuring Don Ameche.