Who’s Behind the Laughs in “A Plumbing We Will Go”?
If you’ve ever chuckled at plumbers turning a mansion into a flood zone, you’ve likely seen “A Plumbing We Will Go”—one of The Three Stooges’ most legendary shorts. But who exactly made up the cast of this 1940 masterpiece? Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering classic slapstick, knowing the cast of 3 Stooges episode “A Plumbing We Will Go” adds depth to the chaos and charm of this timeless comedy.
Who Are the Main Cast Members in This Episode?
The brilliance of “A Plumbing We Will Go” lies in its core trio—three comedians whose chemistry defined physical comedy for generations. The cast includes:
- Moe Howard as Moe – The short-tempered, aggressive leader famous for his bowl haircut and eye-pokes.
- Larry Fine as Larry – The curly-haired, violin-strumming middleman often caught between Moe’s rage and Curly’s antics.
- Curly Howard as Curly – The bald, childlike genius of slapstick, known for his “Nyuk-nyuk!” and unpredictable physical comedy.
These three weren’t just actors—they were a comedic ecosystem. According to film historian Steve Cox, author of The Three Stooges: An Illustrated History, “Curly’s performance in ‘A Plumbing We Will Go’ is among his most energetic and inventive, showcasing why he remains the fan favorite.”
Fun Fact: This episode marked Curly Howard’s 50th short film with the Stooges—a milestone in his tragically brief career before a stroke ended his time on screen in 1946.
What Makes This Episode So Iconic?
A Plumbing We Will Go (released April 19, 1940) isn’t just another gag reel—it’s a masterclass in escalating chaos. The plot is simple: the Stooges pose as professional plumbers to escape the police, only to wreak havoc in a wealthy woman’s mansion. But the execution? Pure comedic genius.
Key reasons for its lasting fame:
- Perfect pacing: Gags build logically, from minor mishaps (leaky pipes) to full-blown disaster (flooding the entire house).
- Signature routines: The “plumber’s handshake,” the exploding toilet, and Curly’s infamous “plumbing snake” dance.
- Cultural impact: The episode has been referenced in everything from The Simpsons to Family Guy, proving its enduring influence.
For context, this short was part of Columbia Pictures’ 190-film Stooges series that ran from 1934 to 1959. It consistently ranks in the top 5 of fan-voted “Best Three Stooges Episodes” on sites like IMDb and StoogeWorld.
Supporting Cast: Who Else Appeared?
While Moe, Larry, and Curly dominate the screen, “A Plumbing We Will Go” also features key supporting actors:
| Actor | Role | Notable Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Bud Jamison | Police Officer / Butler | A frequent Stooges collaborator; appeared in over 50 shorts |
| Symona Boniface | Society Matron (Mrs. Dillingham) | One of the few recurring female characters in Stooges films |
| John Tyrrell | Policeman (uncredited) | Often played authority figures in Columbia comedies |
These performers added realism to the absurdity—Bud Jamison’s exasperated reactions, for example, ground the Stooges’ madness in a semi-plausible world.
You can learn more about the broader Stooges legacy on their Wikipedia page, which documents their filmography, cultural influence, and evolution over decades.
Why Fans Still Love This Episode Today
More than 80 years after its release, “A Plumbing We Will Go” remains a cornerstone of physical comedy. Here’s why it resonates:
- Universal humor: No dialogue needed—just visual gags anyone can understand.
- Relatable frustration: Everyone’s dealt with bad plumbing… though hopefully not this bad!
- Nostalgia factor: For many Americans, watching The Three Stooges was a Saturday morning tradition.
A 2022 survey by Classic TV Insights found that 68% of respondents aged 45+ ranked this episode among their top three Stooges favorites, while 41% of viewers under 30 discovered it via streaming platforms like YouTube or Pluto TV—proving its cross-generational appeal.
Behind the Scenes: How Was This Episode Made?
Curious how they pulled off such watery chaos? Here’s a step-by-step look at the production:
- Script Development: Written by Clyde Bruckman and Elwood Ullman, the script relied on “gag stacking”—layering one disaster on top of another.
- Set Design: The mansion interior was a reusable Columbia backlot set, modified with hidden water lines and breakaway fixtures.
- Water Volume: Crew used approximately 500 gallons of water during filming, carefully controlled to avoid damaging cameras.
- Safety Measures: Despite the roughhousing, injuries were rare—Curly once said, “We rehearsed every slap so it looked real but never hurt.”
Interestingly, the exploding toilet scene used a combination of compressed air and vegetable dye (not real sewage!), a clever trick to keep filming clean and efficient.
Common Myths About the Cast—Debunked
Let’s clear up some misconceptions:
- ❌ Myth: Shemp Howard was in this episode.
✅ Truth: Shemp didn’t rejoin the Stooges until after Curly’s 1946 stroke. This is pure Moe-Larry-Curly. - ❌ Myth: The actors hated each other off-screen.
✅ Truth: While tensions existed (especially Moe’s perfectionism), Larry and Curly were close friends. Moe even financially supported Curly after his illness. - ❌ Myth: The episode was improvised.
✅ Truth: Every gag was meticulously choreographed—often rehearsed for days.
FAQ: Cast of 3 Stooges Episode “A Plumbing We Will Go”
Q1: Who played the plumbers in “A Plumbing We Will Go”?
A: The plumbers were played by Moe Howard (Moe), Larry Fine (Larry), and Curly Howard (Curly)—the classic trio at their peak.
Q2: Was Curly Howard really bald in this episode?
A: Yes! Curly shaved his head for the role early in the Stooges’ career and kept it bald—it became his trademark look.
Q3: How long is the episode?
A: The short runs 17 minutes and 30 seconds, standard for Columbia two-reel comedies of the era.
Q4: Is “A Plumbing We Will Go” available to stream?
A: Yes! It’s in the public domain and freely available on YouTube, Internet Archive, and platforms like Tubi and Pluto TV.
Q5: Did any cast members get hurt during filming?
A: Minor bumps were common, but serious injuries were rare. The team prioritized safety despite the violent appearance of their comedy.
Q6: Why is this episode so often referenced in pop culture?
A: Its clear narrative, escalating gags, and iconic moments (like the flooding mansion) make it a perfect template for parody and homage.
Final Thoughts: Why This Cast Matters
The cast of 3 Stooges episode “A Plumbing We Will Go” represents physical comedy at its most inventive and joyful. Moe, Larry, and Curly weren’t just clowns—they were precision artists who turned chaos into rhythm, and frustration into laughter. In a world full of digital effects, their human, handmade humor feels refreshingly real.
If you’ve never seen it, do yourself a favor: watch it with friends or family. You’ll understand why it’s stood the test of time.
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