
Three Pests in a Mess 1945
In the zany 1945 short comedy classic Three Pests in a Mess, legendary slapstick trio The Three Stooges—Moe, Larry, and Curly—trade wrench-swinging for patent-peddling as a trio of bumbling inventors.
Director: Del Lord
Cast







Frequently Asked Questions
What is Three Pests in a Mess (1945) about?
Three bumbling inventors stumble into big trouble when their silly fly-catching gadget is mistaken for a ticket to a $100,000 sweepstakes. As crooks give chase, the Stooges hide in a sporting goods store, accidentally shoot a mannequin, and end up in a pet cemetery trying to cover their tracks—only to dig themselves deeper into a surreal mess.
Who directed Three Pests in a Mess?
Del Lord directed this fast-paced short film, bringing his experience in slapstick and physical comedy to the Stooges' signature chaos.
Who stars in Three Pests in a Mess?
The film stars comedy icons Curly Howard, Larry Fine, and Moe Howard as The Three Stooges, supported by Christine McIntyre, Brian O'Hara, and Vernon Dent.
Is Three Pests in a Mess (1945) worth watching?
Absolutely—if you're a fan of vintage slapstick or simply love The Three Stooges' brand of madcap humor, this 15-minute short delivers non-stop laughs. The zany plot, creative gags, and energetic pacing make it a standout entry in their filmography, even if it's light on deep themes.
How long is Three Pests in a Mess?
The short film runs for 15 minutes.
About Three Pests in a Mess (1945) — A Classic Stooge Comedy Full of Madcap Invention
In the zany 1945 short comedy classic Three Pests in a Mess, legendary slapstick trio The Three Stooges—Moe, Larry, and Curly—trade wrench-swinging for patent-peddling as a trio of bumbling inventors. Their latest contraption, a gloriously ridiculous fly-catching machine, becomes the inadvertent target of both a hefty prize and a pair of eager crooks. When the crooks misinterpret the boys' excited chatter as a sweepstakes win, a madcap chase erupts through a bustling sporting-goods shop and into a quirky pet cemetery, where Curly's errant shot at a mannequin sparks a hilarious case of mistaken identity.
Directed with relentless energy by Del Lord, this 15-minute romp is pure Stooge chaos—full of rapid-fire gags, slapstick pratfalls, and the trio's signature brand of anarchy. The film captures the carefree spirit of mid-century comedy, blending absurd inventions with the timeless thrill of being one step ahead of the law. With its mix of inventive humor and frantic pacing, Three Pests in a Mess (1945) is a delightful showcase of The Three Stooges' comic genius and a time capsule of vintage comedy at its most inventive.