Hula-La-La

Last updated
Hula-La-La
Hulalal51.jpg
Directed by Hugh McCollum
Written by Edward Bernds
Produced byHugh McCollum
Starring Moe Howard
Larry Fine
Shemp Howard
Jean Willes
Kenneth MacDonald
Emil Sitka
Joy Windsor
Maxine Doviat
Heinie Conklin
Cinematography Henry Freulich
Edited by Edwin H. Bryant
Distributed by Columbia Pictures
Release date
  • November 1, 1951 (1951-11-01)(U.S.)
Running time
16:06
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Hula-La-La is a 1951 short subject directed by Hugh McCollum starring American slapstick comedy team The Three Stooges (Moe Howard, Larry Fine and Shemp Howard). It is the 135th entry in the series released by Columbia Pictures starring the comedians, who released 190 shorts for the studio between 1934 and 1959.

Contents

Plot

The Stooges, employed as choreographers by B.O. Pictures, are tasked with imparting dance skills to the indigenous population of the fictional Pacific island of Rarabonga. This endeavor is orchestrated by the studio's president, Mr. Baines, who has procured the island for his upcoming musical production. However, upon their arrival, the Stooges discover that the islanders, under the sway of the malevolent witch doctor Varanu, are cannibalistic headhunters with no knowledge of dancing.

In their efforts to escape the perilous situation, the Stooges form an alliance with Luana, the daughter of the tribal king, who seeks their aid in rescuing her boyfriend from Varanu's clutches. Amidst their escapades, the Stooges encounter various challenges, including a confrontation with a formidable totem idol guarding a cache of World War II grenades. Despite initial setbacks, the Stooges manage to outwit Varanu by tricking him into demonstrating his swordsmanship on the grenades, resulting in his demise when they detonate.

With Varanu vanquished, the Stooges proceed with their original mission, utilizing their choreographic expertise to instruct the islanders in the art of dance, thereby fulfilling their assignment from B.O. Pictures.

Cast

Production

Hula-La-La was filmed on May 25–29, 1951. [1] It was the only Three Stooges film directed by producer Hugh McCollum, who gave the medium a shot while Edward Bernds was busy directing feature films. Bernds described McCollum's directing style as "gentle and tasteful", like McCollum himself. However, film author Ted Okuda believed this hurt his films, not allowing them to reach their full potential. Hula-La-La was cited as an example of suffering from moments of restraint, resulting in several scenes lacking their comedic punch. [2]

The standard "Three Blind Mice" theme is replaced during the end titles with a hula composition entitled "Lu-Lu." The tune was written by Columbia Pictures composers Ross DiMaggio and Nico Grigor. [3]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Three Stooges</span> American slapstick comedy trio

The Three Stooges were an American vaudeville and comedy team active from 1922 until 1970, best remembered for their 190 short-subject films by Columbia Pictures. Their hallmark styles were physical, farce, and slapstick. Six total Stooges appeared over the act's run ; Moe Howard and Larry Fine were mainstays throughout the ensemble's nearly 50-year run, while the "third stooge" was played in turn by Shemp Howard, Curly Howard, Shemp Howard again, Joe Besser, and "Curly Joe" DeRita.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Larry Fine</span> American comedian and actor (1902–1975)

Louis Feinberg, better known by his stage name Larry Fine, was an American comedian, actor, and musician. He is best known as a member of the comedy act the Three Stooges and was often called "The Middle Stooge".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Curly Howard</span> American comedian and actor (1903–1952)

Jerome Lester Horwitz, better known by his stage name Curly Howard, was an American comedian and actor. He was as a member of the comedy team The Three Stooges, which also featured his elder brothers Moe and Shemp Howard, as well as actor Larry Fine. In early shorts, he was billed as Curley. Curly Howard was generally considered the most popular and recognizable of the Stooges.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Edward Bernds</span> American film director (1905–2000)

Edward Bernds was an American screenwriter and director, born in Chicago, Illinois.

<i>Gold Raiders</i> 1951 film by Edward Bernds

Gold Raiders is a 1951 comedy Western film starring George O'Brien and The Three Stooges. The picture was O'Brien's last starring role and the only feature film released during Shemp Howard's 1947–55 tenure with the trio.

<i>Micro-Phonies</i> 1945 film by Edward Bernds

Micro-Phonies is a 1945 short subject directed by Edward Bernds starring American slapstick comedy team The Three Stooges. It is the 87th entry in the series released by Columbia Pictures starring the comedians, who released 190 shorts for the studio between 1934 and 1959.

<i>Squareheads of the Round Table</i> 1948 American short film by Edward Bernds

Squareheads of the Round Table is a 1948 short subject directed by Edward Bernds starring American slapstick comedy team The Three Stooges. It is the 106th entry in the series released by Columbia Pictures starring the comedians, who released 190 shorts for the studio between 1934 and 1959.

<i>A Snitch in Time</i> 1950 film by Edward Bernds

A Snitch in Time is a 1950 short subject directed by Edward Bernds starring American slapstick comedy team The Three Stooges. It is the 128th entry in the series released by Columbia Pictures starring the comedians, who released 190 shorts for the studio between 1934 and 1959.

<i>The Hot Scots</i> 1948 American short film by Edward Bernds

The Hot Scots is a 1948 short subject directed by Edward Bernds starring American slapstick comedy team The Three Stooges. It is the 108th entry in the series released by Columbia Pictures starring the comedians, who released 190 shorts for the studio between 1934 and 1959.

<i>Who Done It?</i> (1949 film) 1949 American film

Who Done It? is a 1949 short subject directed by Edward Bernds starring American slapstick comedy team The Three Stooges. It is the 114th entry in the series released by Columbia Pictures starring the comedians, who released 190 shorts for the studio between 1934 and 1959.

<i>Pardon My Clutch</i> 1948 American short film by Edward Bernds

Pardon My Clutch is a 1948 short subject directed by Edward Bernds starring American slapstick comedy team The Three Stooges. It is the 105th entry in the series released by Columbia Pictures starring the comedians, who released 190 shorts for the studio between 1934 and 1959.

<i>Three Little Pirates</i> 1946 film by Edward Bernds

Three Little Pirates is a 1946 short subject directed by Edward Bernds starring American slapstick comedy team The Three Stooges. It is the 96th entry in the series released by Columbia Pictures starring the comedians, who released 190 shorts for the studio between 1934 and 1959.

<i>Crime on Their Hands</i> 1948 American short film by Edward Bernds

Crime on Their Hands is a 1948 short subject directed by Edward Bernds starring American slapstick comedy team The Three Stooges. It is the 112th entry in the series released by Columbia Pictures starring the comedians, who released 190 shorts for the studio between 1934 and 1959.

<i>Vagabond Loafers</i> 1949 American short film by Edward Bernds

Vagabond Loafers is a 1949 short subject directed by Edward Bernds starring American slapstick comedy team The Three Stooges. It is the 118th entry in the series released by Columbia Pictures starring the comedians, who appeared in 190 shorts at the studio between 1934 and 1959.

<i>Punchy Cowpunchers</i> 1950 American short film by Edward Bernds

Punchy Cowpunchers is a 1950 short subject directed by Edward Bernds starring American slapstick comedy team The Three Stooges. It is the 120th entry in the series released by Columbia Pictures starring the comedians, who released 190 shorts for the studio between 1934 and 1959.

<i>Dont Throw That Knife</i> 1951 film by Jules White

Don't Throw That Knife is a 1951 short subject directed by Jules White starring American slapstick comedy team The Three Stooges. It is the 131st entry in the series released by Columbia Pictures starring the comedians, who released 190 shorts for the studio between 1934 and 1959.

<i>Corny Casanovas</i> 1952 American short film by Jules White

Corny Casanovas is a 1952 short subject directed by Jules White starring American slapstick comedy team The Three Stooges. It is the 139th entry in the series released by Columbia Pictures starring the comedians, who released 190 shorts for the studio between 1934 and 1959.

<i>Gents in a Jam</i> 1952 American short film by Edward Bernds

Gents in a Jam is a 1952 short subject directed by Edward Bernds starring American slapstick comedy team The Three Stooges. It is the 141st entry in the series released by Columbia Pictures starring the comedians, who released 190 shorts for the studio between 1934 and 1959.

Hugh McCollum was an American film producer best known for his credits on Three Stooges short subject comedies.

<i>Pardon My Terror</i> 1946 American film

Pardon My Terror is a 1946 short film starring Richard Lane and Gus Schilling. The supporting cast also includes Christine McIntyre, Lynne Lyons, Philip Van Zandt, Kenneth McDonald, Dick Wessel, Vernon Dent, Emil Sitka and Dudley Dickerson.

References

  1. ↑ Pauley, Jim (2012). The Three Stooges Hollywood Filming Locations. Solana Beach, California: Santa Monica Press, LLC. p. 151. ISBN   9781595800701.
  2. ↑ Okuda, Ted; Watz, Edward (1986). The Columbia Comedy Shorts. McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers. p. 21. ISBN   0-89950-181-8.
  3. ↑ Finegan, Richard (Winter 2000). "The Three Stooges Film Music Identified, 1950-1954". The Three Stooges Journal. Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania: The Three Stooges Fan Club, Inc. (96): 5. Retrieved 2014-01-02.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.