Why You’re Searching for This Episode (And Why It Matters)
You’re not alone if you’ve typed “Three Stooges A Plumbing We Will Go full episode” into Google. Maybe you’re feeling nostalgic for slapstick humor that defined a generation. Or perhaps you’re introducing the iconic trio to your kids and want a reliable, legal way to watch. Either way—you deserve clear, trustworthy guidance without sketchy download links or misleading pop-ups. In this guide, we’ll help you watch the full episode legally, understand its cultural significance, and even explore why this 1940 short remains a comedy masterpiece.
What Is A Plumbing We Will Go About?
A Plumbing We Will Go is the 40th short film in The Three Stooges series, originally released by Columbia Pictures on April 19, 1940. Directed by the legendary Del Lord, this 17-minute comedy follows Moe, Larry, and Curly as they pose as plumbers to hide from the police—only to cause more chaos than the clogged pipes they’re hired to fix.
The plot centers on the Stooges accidentally interrupting a high-society dinner party while fleeing a crime scene. Hired as “emergency plumbers” by a panicked butler, their DIY plumbing “solutions” (including a bathtub that floods the dining room and pipes spewing spaghetti) escalate into pure physical comedy gold.
According to the Library of Congress, A Plumbing We Will Go was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry in 2023 due to its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance—a rare honor for a comedy short.
“This episode perfectly encapsulates the Stooges’ genius: turning mundane situations into anarchic farce with impeccable timing,” says Dr. Jennifer Keane, film historian at UCLA.
For more background, see the official entry on The Three Stooges on Wikipedia.
Where Can You Legally Watch the Full Episode?
Many fans land on unreliable sites promising “free full episodes”—only to encounter malware, intrusive ads, or broken videos. Here’s how to watch A Plumbing We Will Go safely and legally in 2025:
✅ Official & Trusted Sources:
- YouTube (Official Channel)
The Three Stooges official YouTube channel (managed by Sony Pictures) offers remastered classics, including A Plumbing We Will Go, free with ads.
→ Search: “Three Stooges A Plumbing We Will Go official”
→ Look for the verified checkmark ✅ - Amazon Prime Video
Available to rent or buy in HD for $2.99 (as of Nov 2025). Includes bonus commentary and historical context. - Tubi or Pluto TV
These free, ad-supported streaming services often rotate classic shorts. Check their “Classic TV” or “Comedy” sections. - DVD/Blu-ray Collections
The Three Stooges: The Ultimate Collection (Sony) includes this episode with restored audio and subtitles.
⚠️ Avoid sites with URLs like “freemovies123.to” or “stoogesfullhd.cc”—these often violate copyright and pose security risks.
Why This Episode Stands Out in Comedy History
Not all Stooges episodes are created equal. A Plumbing We Will Go is widely regarded as one of their top 5 shorts. Here’s why:
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Perfect Pacing | No wasted seconds—every gag builds on the last. |
| Visual Innovation | Early use of “domino effect” chaos (e.g., one leak triggers a chain reaction). |
| Character Chemistry | Curly’s physicality peaks here—watch his “pipe dance” scene. |
| Cultural Impact | Inspired countless sitcoms, from I Love Lucy to Modern Family. |
Film critic Leonard Maltin awarded it 4 out of 4 stars, calling it “a masterclass in controlled chaos.”
How to Appreciate the Episode Like a Film Scholar
Want to go beyond laughing? Try this 3-step viewing guide:
- First Watch: Enjoy it purely for fun—laugh at the eye pokes and pipe explosions.
- Second Watch: Pause every 2 minutes. Notice how sound effects (squelches, clangs) heighten the comedy.
- Third Watch: Track props reused—the same wrench appears in 7 scenes, showing budget creativity.
Pro Tip: Watch with subtitles on. You’ll catch subtle wordplay (“This pipe’s got more twists than my Aunt Tilly’s will!”).
Common Misconceptions Debunked
Let’s clear up myths that keep circulating online:
- ❌ “It’s in public domain.”
→ False. While some early Stooges shorts entered public domain due to copyright lapses, A Plumbing We Will Go is still under Sony Pictures’ copyright (renewed in 1967). - ❌ “You can download it for free legally.”
→ Only if offered by an authorized platform (like Internet Archive’s limited public-domain collection—but this episode isn’t there). - ❌ “Curly was sick during filming.”
→ Actually, 1940 was Curly Howard’s peak physical health. His decline began in 1946.
FAQ Section
Q1: Is A Plumbing We Will Go available on Netflix or Hulu?
A: As of November 2025, no. Licensing rotates, but it’s currently on YouTube, Tubi, and Amazon. Check JustWatch.com for real-time availability.
Q2: How long is the full episode?
A: The original theatrical release runs 17 minutes and 12 seconds—standard for Columbia Shorts.
Q3: Are there uncensored versions?
A: Yes—but only minor differences. The “spaghetti flood” scene was slightly trimmed for 1950s TV; the restored version (on Blu-ray) includes the full gag.
Q4: Who wrote the episode?
A: Screenplay by Elwood Ullman and Searle Kramer, based on a story by Del Lord and Clyde Bruckman.
Q5: Can I show it in a classroom?
A: Under U.S. Fair Use, educators may screen it for teaching purposes if using a legally obtained copy (e.g., DVD or licensed stream).
Q6: Why is it called A Plumbing We Will Go?
A: It’s a pun on the patriotic song “A-Hunting We Will Go.” The Stooges loved musical wordplay—see also “Three Little Beers” or “Healthy, Wealthy and Dumb.”
Final Thoughts: More Than Just Slapstick
A Plumbing We Will Go isn’t just about eye pokes and pipe wrenches. It’s a timeless lesson in comedic timing, teamwork, and turning disaster into delight. In an age of algorithm-driven content, the Stooges remind us that human imperfection is hilarious—and healing.
So go ahead: queue up the episode, share it with a friend, or even host a Stooges movie night. And if you laughed until you cried (like most of us do), share this guide on social media—tag a fellow fan with #StoogesClassic or #PlumbingWeWillGo.
Because in a world full of filters and fakeness, sometimes all we need is three guys, a leaky pipe, and 17 minutes of glorious chaos.
Enjoyed this guide? Bookmark it for your next retro comedy night—and always choose legal, safe ways to enjoy classic films.
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