Ep 15. Gents Without Cents
The Three Stooges Collection 1943-1945 season 1 episode 15, titled "Gents Without Cents," is a classic slapstick comedy that features the trio of Larry, Moe, and Curly as inept entertainers who are unwittingly hired by a gangster to perform at a party.
The episode opens with the Stooges performing at a vaudeville theater, but they're not exactly lighting up the stage. Their act consists of Curly playing an out-of-tune ukulele while Moe and Larry dance around in ridiculous outfits. When their act is finally cut short by the theater manager, the Stooges find themselves out of work and desperate for money.
Meanwhile, a wealthy gangster named Nickolai (played by actor Philip Van Zandt) is preparing for a lavish party at his mansion and is in need of entertainment. When one of his associates suggests the Stooges as a possible act, Nickolai agrees to hire them on the spot, despite never having seen them perform.
Excited at the prospect of a paying gig, the Stooges arrive at Nickolai's mansion, where they're greeted by a number of tough-looking gangsters. Nervous but determined, they launch into their act, which quickly turns into a disaster. Curly's ukulele breaks, Moe and Larry accidentally knock over the dinner table, and chaos ensues as the Stooges struggle to regain their composure.
Despite their disastrous performance, Nickolai is surprisingly pleased with the Stooges' antics. He orders his men to pay them and invites them to stay for the remainder of the party. The Stooges are initially thrilled at the prospect of free food and drink, but soon realize that they're in over their heads when they're asked to participate in a crooked card game.
As they're playing cards, the Stooges catch wind of a plan by Nickolai and his henchmen to rob a bank the following day. Unable to escape, they hatch a plan to try and foil the robbery themselves, using their trademark slapstick humor to take down the gangsters.
The rest of the episode is a frantic and hilarious race against time, as the Stooges try to prevent the robbery and escape with their lives. Despite all the chaos and confusion, they manage to outwit the gangsters and come out on top in the end.
Overall, "Gents Without Cents" is a classic Three Stooges episode that showcases the trio's trademark humor and physical comedy. It's a must-see for fans of slapstick comedy and anyone who loves a good laugh.