The Three Stooges Meet Hercules is a classic slapstick comedy film that was released in 1962, starring the iconic comedic trio Moe Howard, Larry Fine, and Joe DeRita, who was the third stooge, known as "Curly Joe." Known for their unique brand of physical comedy and humorous banter, the Three Stooges have become an integral part of American comedic history, and this film is one of many in which they displayed their talents. The movie combines the Stooges' timeless humor with a fantastical adventure, putting a comedic spin on mythical elements and characters from ancient times.
In this zany feature, the Three Stooges join forces with a young inventor named Schuyler Davis, played by Quinn Redeker, who has created a time machine. Larry, Moe, and Curly Joe work at a drugstore and befriend Schuyler and his girlfriend, Diane. When they accidentally activate the time machine concealed within Schuyler's vehicle, the group is thrust back into the ancient era of Greece, encountering none other than the legendary Hercules.
Once in ancient Greece, the Stooges and their companions find themselves in Ithaca, where they are mistaken for "heroes" due to the misunderstanding of their arrival in a "chariot from the heavens," which is, in fact, the time machine. Through a series of misunderstandings, the trio inadvertently helps a villainous king, who has teamed up with Hercules, to oppress the people. The king's confidence is bolstered by the perceived support of the Stooges, and he tightens his grip on the kingdom.
However, the Stooges' loyalties lie with the oppressed people of Ithaca, and they aim to help overthrow the tyrannical rule of the king and his powerful ally, Hercules. In true Stooges fashion, their efforts to restore justice involve a multitude of mishaps, slapstick shenanigans, and plenty of eye-poking, face-slapping hilarity. As they fumble from one misadventure to another, they demonstrate the kind of heart and courage that, though shrouded in silliness, speaks to the underlying values the Stooges often represented.
Throughout the film, the viewers get to see the Stooges in various comedic situations as they interact with the characters of ancient Greece. They don the attire of the era—from togas to armor—and even engage in a few anachronistic situations, such as running a "self-service" restaurant that reflects more modern mores than ancient Greek tradition. These anachronisms serve as one of the film's running jokes, highlighting the fish-out-of-water aspect of the Stooges' time-traveling misadventures and the absurdity of their situation.
Moe, as usual, plays the self-appointed leader of the group, trying to navigate the tricky political waters of the Greek setting, often with the reality-defying logic that only a Stooge could have. Larry often ends up the butt of Moe's short temper, finding himself in uncomfortable and humorous predicaments. Curly Joe, meanwhile, follows along with the impetuous antics of his comrades, contributing his fair share to the group's buoyant buffoonery.
As the story unfolds, our hapless heroes find themselves entangled in various scenarios that require them to draw upon their comedic bravado. This includes participating in sports events akin to the Olympic Games, where their lack of athleticism and overabundance of clumsiness lead to a series of unfortunate, yet hilariously entertaining events. Their comical ineptitude becomes the movie's centerpiece, as it does in many of the Stooges' other escapades.
The feature is steeped in the classic Stooges humor, with a blend of slapstick, physical comedy, and wordplay that fans have come to know and love. It playfully pays homage to the sword-and-sandal epics that were popular at the time, while managing to stay true to the Stooges' roots. The comedy is very much of its time, reflecting the sensibilities and comedic styles of the early 1960s, and provides a nostalgic escape for viewers who appreciate that era of film.
The Three Stooges Meet Hercules showcases the troupe's time-tested comedic routines and allows the audience to revel in their nostalgia for both the Stooges and the bygone era of mythical Greece. Despite the challenges posed by the historical figures they encounter and the surreal situations they find themselves in, the Stooges remain undaunted, and their perseverance shows that no matter the setting, they can inadvertently land on the right side of history with their unique blend of courage and comedy.
Fans of the Three Stooges will enjoy this mash-up of mythology and mirth, while newcomers to their work will find this a charming introduction to the antics that made Moe, Larry, and Curly Joe household names. As with many of their films, The Three Stooges Meet Hercules promises a delightful romp through the annals of comedy, where the laughter is timeless and the gags are plentiful.
