The Three Stooges A Plumbing We Will Go in Color – Restored & Remastered!

Why You’re Searching for “The Three Stooges A Plumbing We Will Go In Color”

You’re not alone. Thousands of fans—old and new—have been wondering if the chaotic plumbing antics of Moe, Larry, and Curly ever got the color treatment. Maybe you saw a grainy black-and-white clip online and wished you could experience it like a modern film. Or perhaps you’re introducing your kids to slapstick comedy and want something visually familiar. Either way, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about The Three Stooges A Plumbing We Will Go in color—its history, restoration process, availability, and why this short remains a timeless gem.

What Is A Plumbing We Will Go?

Originally released on April 19, 1940, A Plumbing We Will Go is the 44th short film starring the legendary comedy trio Moe Howard, Larry Fine, and Curly Howard. In this 17-minute masterpiece, the Stooges pose as plumbers to escape a posh party—but of course, their “repairs” cause more chaos than comfort, flooding a mansion and drenching socialites in the process.

It’s widely considered one of their funniest and most iconic shorts, praised for its perfect pacing, physical gags, and Curly’s manic energy at his peak. According to the Three Stooges Journal, it consistently ranks in the top 5 fan-favorite shorts in reader polls.

For decades, it was only available in black and white—until recent restoration efforts changed that.

Has A Plumbing We Will Go Been Colorized?

Yes—but not by the original studio.

The original 1940 film was shot in black and white, as color film was still expensive and rare for short comedies at the time. However, in the 1990s and 2000s, independent restoration companies began using digital technology to colorize classic films, including Stooges shorts.

One of the most notable color versions of A Plumbing We Will Go was produced by Legend Films, a company known for high-quality colorization of vintage media. Their process involves:

1. Frame-by-frame analysis to determine accurate colors based on historical references (e.g., costume photos, set designs).
2. AI-assisted coloring refined by human artists to preserve skin tones, lighting, and comedic timing.
3. Audio remastering to reduce hiss and enhance dialogue clarity without altering the original sound effects.

💡 Note: While purists argue that colorization alters artistic intent, many new viewers—especially younger audiences—find colorized versions more engaging. A 2022 survey by Classic Film Today found that 68% of viewers under 35 preferred watching restored color versions of black-and-white classics.

You can learn more about the original short on its Wikipedia page .

Where to Watch The Three Stooges A Plumbing We Will Go In Color

As of 2025, the colorized version is not available on major streaming platforms like Netflix or Hulu, but you can find it through these legitimate sources:

• Amazon Prime Video (rent or buy, ~$2.99)
• YouTube (official uploads from Sony Pictures Classics or Legend Films)
• DVD collections such as The Three Stooges: Colorized Classics Vol. 2

⚠️ Avoid unofficial uploads—many lack proper licensing and may have poor video quality or distorted audio.

Black-and-White vs. Colorized: Which Should You Watch?

Let’s compare both versions honestly:

Verdict: If you’re a longtime Stooges fan, watch the original first. If you’re sharing it with kids or students, the colorized version lowers the “old movie barrier” and keeps attention spans engaged.

Why This Short Still Matters in 2025

A Plumbing We Will Go isn’t just nostalgia—it’s a masterclass in physical comedy. Modern comedians like Jim Carrey and Kevin James cite it as inspiration. The short’s structure—setup, escalation, catastrophic payoff—is now a blueprint for sitcom episodes.

Moreover, its themes of class satire (working-class men disrupting elite spaces) feel surprisingly relevant today. The Stooges aren’t malicious; they’re just hopelessly out of their depth—a metaphor many can relate to in complex modern systems (like, well, actual plumbing!).

How the Colorization Process Works (Step by Step)

Curious how black-and-white film becomes color? Here’s a simplified breakdown used by pros like Legend Films:

1. Digitize the original film at 4K resolution to capture every detail.
2. Research period-accurate colors: e.g., 1940s tuxedos were typically black, women’s dresses often pastel.
3. Create a color palette for each character and object (Curly’s shirt = light blue, Moe’s = dark gray).
4. Apply base colors using rotoscoping software—frame by frame or with motion tracking.
5. Adjust shadows and highlights to mimic natural lighting (e.g., a lamp casts warm yellow).
6. Quality check: 3+ reviewers ensure continuity (no sudden green walls!).
7. Remaster audio: Remove 80+ years of noise while keeping iconic sounds (like Curly’s “Nyuk nyuk!”).

This entire process can take 200–400 hours for a 17-minute short—proof of the care behind modern restorations.

FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered

Q1: Is the colorized version officially endorsed by Sony or the Stooges estate?
A: Not directly. Sony owns the film rights, but they license colorization to third parties like Legend Films. The estate has never condemned colorization, though they emphasize preserving originals too.

Q2: Does colorization ruin the original comedy?
A: Most fans agree it doesn’t—if done well. The gags rely on timing and expression, not color. In fact, color can highlight visual jokes (e.g., a red pipe vs. a blue one).

Q3: Can I watch the colorized version for free?
A: Legally? Rarely. Free uploads are often pirated. For under $3, you support restoration artists and get HD quality.

Q4: Are all Three Stooges shorts available in color?
A: No—only about 30 of the 190 shorts have been colorized, mostly the Curly-era classics. A Plumbing We Will Go is among the most popular.

Q5: Why was this short chosen for colorization?
A: High fan demand, clear visual gags, and strong narrative structure make it ideal for modern audiences.

Q6: Will future restorations include 4K or HDR?
A: Possibly. As AI improves, 4K colorized versions could emerge—especially if streaming demand grows.

Final Thoughts: Laugh, Learn, and Share the Chaos

The Three Stooges: A Plumbing We Will Go in Color bridges generations. It lets grandparents share their favorite gags while kids actually watch without asking, “Why is everything gray?”

Whether you’re a film buff, a comedy lover, or just need a good laugh after a long week, this short delivers—in vibrant color or classic black and white.

👉 Loved this breakdown? Share it on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Reddit so more fans can discover (or rediscover) the genius of Moe, Larry, and Curly!

And if you haven’t seen it yet—grab some popcorn, hit play, and prepare for controlled chaos. Just maybe don’t try any of their plumbing tips at home! 💦