The Three Stooges Go Around the World in a Daze

The Three Stooges Go Around the World in a Daze is a fun-filled comedy film from 1963 starring Joe DeRita, Larry Fine, and Moe Howard. Reviving the well-loved comedy trio, The Three Stooges, this 94-minute-long comedy film is known for its slapstick humor, tongue-in-cheek style, and cleverly embedded cultural references that resonate even today.

The film is a loose parody of the timeless classic, Jules Verne's "Around the World in Eighty Days," giving the trio a chance to showcase their comedic talent within a context of globetrotting adventure and whimsy. Directed by Norman Maurer, who incidentally is the son-in-law of Moe Howard, the film upholds the essence of The Three Stooges' comic spirit with a flamboyant story that traverses the globe.

The story follows Phileas Fogg III (played by Jay Sheffield), the great-grandson of the original Phileas Fogg from Verne’s novel, who takes up a wager to repeat his great-grandfather's famous trip around the world in exactly 80 days. Assisting him in this ambitious endeavor are his recently appointed valets - Larry, Moe, and Curly-Joe, a gig that they inadvertently land while on the run from the police.

Each of them sets off on a speeding Portuguese ship named 'The Star of Bengal' which becomes their home and vehicle for their extraordinary voyage. Unbeknownst to them, among their travel companions is the cunning and unscrupulous fortune hunter Vickers Cavendish, portrayed by the seasoned actor Peter Forster. He has a seedy plan up his sleeve and enlists the unwitting help of our trio in his quest to get his hands on Fogg's family inheritance.

The film is full of hilarious mishaps and comic misunderstandings that form the crux of the narrative. Throughout the course of the adventurous voyage, the trio finds themselves caught in diverse cultures and unpredictable situations, allowing for the comedic talents of DeRita, Fine, and Howard to shine through. The film journeys through cities like London, Madrid, and Tokyo, involving a barrage of fun predicaments including matador trials, culture clashes, and most importantly - the classic Stooges slapstick humor replete with their customary pratfalls.

One standout aspect of Go Around the World in a Daze is its broad and colourful spectrum of supporting characters. From an opportunistic English Lord and a swindling ship captain to a variety of ethnic characters they encounter on their global trip, along with the universal charm of the Three Stooges themselves, the film keeps viewers engaged with its dynamic character line-up.

Joe DeRita (Curly-Joe) does a great job being the comedic energy of the team, taking over the legendary Curly Howard's mantle of the bumbling buffoon, effortlessly generating a non-stop laughter chain. Larry and Moe, reprising their well-loved roles in the franchise, play their parts with gusto and familiarity that fans appreciate. Larry’s antic eye movements and Moe's hotheadedness, alongside Curly-Joe’s clumsy demeanor, contributes to the Stooges' original sparks of playful insults and physical comedy, harking back to their golden era.

The enigmatic personality of Phileas Fogg III played by Jay Sheffield, adds a dignified humor to the mix, perfectly complementing the zany nature of our phenomenal trio. The villainous character of Vickers Cavendish, with his suave yet sly disposition, adds an interesting dimension to the plot and keeps the audience fixated.

Above all, the film portrays the strong bond that the Three Stooges share in the face of adversity, remaining unfazed and optimistic in the most chaotic circumstances. Their camaraderie provides the much-needed thread to tie the plot together, giving it a distinctive heart-filled undertone beneath all the hilarity.

The Three Stooges Go Around the World in a Daze is not just a film; rather it's an enjoyable comedic journey that brings together humor, adventure, friendship, and good old-fashioned slapstick, topped off with a generous globetrotting element. By today's standards, the film can be seen as a testament to the timeless appeal of the classic American burlesque comedy. Fans of the franchise and new viewers alike can enjoy the film, as it offers an opportunity to look back at a historical comedy style that has left a lasting impact on American cinema. In essence, this is a film that embodies all the fun and spirit associated with The Three Stooges, making it a worthy watch for every comedy enthusiast.