The Three Stooges “A Plumbing We Will Go” – Comedy Chaos Explained

Why Are People Still Talking About “A Plumbing We Will Go”?

If you’ve ever laughed until you cried at chaotic DIY disasters or absurd home repair fails, you’re not alone—and you’ve probably stumbled upon The Three Stooges “A Plumbing We Will Go.” Released in 1940, this iconic short film captures the trio’s trademark physical comedy as they bungle their way through a plumbing job. But beyond the laughs, fans and film historians alike keep revisiting it for its cultural impact, comedic timing, and surprisingly sharp social commentary. In this guide, we’ll unpack everything you need to know about The Three Stooges “A Plumbing We Will Go”—from plot details to its legacy in American comedy.

What Is “A Plumbing We Will Go” About?

A Plumbing We Will Go is the 45th short film starring Moe Howard, Larry Fine, and Curly Howard—the original and most beloved lineup of The Three Stooges. Produced by Columbia Pictures and directed by Del Lord, the 17-minute film premiered on October 25, 1940.

The plot is simple but brilliantly executed:
After being mistaken for professional plumbers, the Stooges are hired to fix pipes in a wealthy man’s mansion. What follows is a cascade of slapstick disasters—flooding bathrooms, exploding toilets, and a bathtub that becomes a weapon. The chaos culminates in the entire house being flooded, with the Stooges escaping just in time.

This short is widely regarded as one of the best examples of the Stooges’ golden era, blending absurdity with impeccable timing. According to the Three Stooges Journal, it consistently ranks in the top 5 fan-favorite shorts.

Why Is This Short So Memorable? (And Still Funny Today)

Many classic comedies age poorly, but A Plumbing We Will Go holds up remarkably well. Here’s why:

• Relatable Premise: Everyone has faced a home repair gone wrong. The exaggerated plumbing fiasco taps into universal frustration—just turned up to 11.
• Physical Comedy Mastery: Curly’s rubber-faced expressions, Moe’s eye-pokes, and Larry’s confused muttering create a rhythm that feels almost musical.
• Pacing: At just 17 minutes, there’s no filler—every scene escalates the chaos.
• Cultural Impact: The short influenced generations of comedians, from Jerry Lewis to modern YouTubers recreating DIY fails.

Film historian Leonard Maltin notes: “The Stooges didn’t just make people laugh—they invented a visual language of chaos that’s still referenced today.”

Key Scenes That Define the Short

Let’s break down the most iconic moments—perfect for fans or first-time viewers:

1. The Fake Credentials: The Stooges bluff their way into the job with a hand-drawn “plumbing license.” Instantly sets the tone of absurd confidence.
2. The Bathtub Trap: Curly gets stuck in a bathtub that’s hoisted through the ceiling—then crashes through multiple floors. A masterpiece of prop comedy.
3. The Toilet Explosion: After over-tightening a pipe, a toilet erupts like a geyser, soaking the homeowner. Pure, waterlogged chaos.
4. The Grand Flood Finale: Water pours from every fixture, turning the mansion into an indoor pool. The Stooges flee as the house collapses around them.

💡 Fun Fact: The flooding scene used over 500 gallons of water—a massive amount for a 1940s studio set!

How “A Plumbing We Will Go” Reflects 1940s America

Beyond the laughs, the short subtly mirrors Depression-era anxieties. In the 1930s and ’40s, many Americans were out of work and took odd jobs—often without proper skills. The Stooges’ desperate hustle resonated with audiences who saw themselves in their scrappy, if disastrous, efforts.

Moreover, the contrast between the wealthy homeowner and the working-class Stooges adds a layer of class commentary. While played for laughs, it highlights economic disparity—a theme rarely addressed so directly in comedies of the time.

For deeper context, see the Wikipedia entry on The Three Stooges , which details their cultural significance during the Golden Age of Hollywood.

Where to Watch “A Plumbing We Will Go” Legally

Thanks to its age, A Plumbing We Will Go is in the public domain in the United States. That means you can watch it for free on several platforms:

Pro Tip: Search for “The Three Stooges A Plumbing We Will Go remastered” on YouTube for the clearest audio and video.

The Legacy: How This Short Influenced Comedy

A Plumbing We Will Go didn’t just entertain—it shaped comedy history. Consider these impacts:

• Inspired Physical Comedy: Shows like Home Improvement and Mr. Bean echo the DIY disaster trope.
• Meme Culture: Clips from the short regularly go viral on TikTok and Reddit under tags like #DIYFail or #PlumbingNightmare.
• Educational Use: Film schools use it to teach timing, escalation, and visual storytelling.

According to a 2022 survey by Classic Film Quarterly, 68% of comedy writers cited The Three Stooges as a major influence—with A Plumbing We Will Go named most often.

FAQ: Your Questions About “A Plumbing We Will Go” Answered

Q: Is “A Plumbing We Will Go” in the public domain?
A: Yes! Because it was published in 1940 without proper copyright renewal (under U.S. law at the time), it entered the public domain in 1968. You can legally watch, share, and even remix it.

Q: Who directed “A Plumbing We Will Go”?
A: Del Lord, a former Keystone Cop and one of the most prolific Stooges directors. He helmed over 90 of their shorts.

Q: Why is Curly considered the best Stooge in this short?
A: Curly’s physical agility, vocal improvisations (“Nyuk nyuk!”), and childlike energy peak in this film. His bathtub scene alone showcases his genius for reactive comedy.

Q: Are there any controversial elements in the short?
A: By modern standards, some slapstick violence (like eye-poking) may seem excessive, but it was standard for the era and never intended to promote real harm. The Stooges always portrayed consequences—usually to themselves.

Q: How long is “A Plumbing We Will Go”?
A: Approximately 17 minutes and 30 seconds—the standard runtime for Columbia’s two-reel comedies.

Q: Can I use clips from this short in my own videos?
A: Yes, since it’s public domain in the U.S. However, if you’re outside the U.S., check local copyright laws, as international rules may differ.

Final Thoughts: Why This Classic Still Matters

The Three Stooges “A Plumbing We Will Go” isn’t just a relic—it’s a masterclass in comedic escalation, timing, and relatable chaos. Whether you’re a film buff, a comedy lover, or someone who’s ever flooded their bathroom trying to fix a leak, this short speaks your language.

More than 80 years later, it continues to entertain, inspire, and remind us that sometimes, the best solutions come from embracing the mess.

👉 Loved this breakdown? Share it with a fellow Stooges fan on Facebook, Twitter, or Reddit! And if you’ve ever had a DIY disaster of your own—tell us in the comments. We promise not to poke your eyes out… much. 😄