Where the Pest Begins 1945
In *Where the Pest Begins (1945)*, directed by Harry Edwards, government inventor Jonathan Bass (Tom Kennedy) learns the hard way that neighbors aren't always a blessing.
Director: Harry Edwards
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *Where the Pest Begins (1945)* about?
The film follows government inventor Jonathan Bass, whose life spirals into chaos when his new neighbor, Shemp Howard, accidentally (and repeatedly) destroys his property. Things take a dangerous turn when Bass' latest project—a secret bomb for the Army—ends up in Shemp's clumsy hands, with explosive results.
Who directed *Where the Pest Begins*?
Harry Edwards directed this wartime comedy short, known for his work in the slapstick genre during the 1940s.
Who stars in *Where the Pest Begins*?
The film features Shemp Howard, Tom Kennedy, Christine McIntyre, Rebel Randall, and Harry Tenbrook in key roles.
Is *Where the Pest Begins (1945)* worth watching?
For fans of classic slapstick and wartime comedies, *Where the Pest Begins* delivers laughs with Shemp Howard's signature bumbling energy. While it's unrated, its 17-minute runtime makes it a quick watch worth checking out if you love mid-century comedy chaos.
How long is *Where the Pest Begins*?
*Where the Pest Begins* runs for 17 minutes, perfect for a short but memorable comedic break.
About Where the Pest Begins (1945) — A Wartime Comedy Classic with Shemp Howard's Wild Neighbor Antics
In *Where the Pest Begins (1945)*, directed by Harry Edwards, government inventor Jonathan Bass (Tom Kennedy) learns the hard way that neighbors aren't always a blessing. His new next-door neighbor, the infamously lazy and destructive Shemp Howard, turns his quiet suburban life into a comedy of errors as Shemp's chaotic antics—from wrecking Bass' garage to sabotaging his car—are somehow twisted to make it seem like Bass himself is the culprit. Tensions escalate when Bass' latest project, a top-secret bomb for the Army, becomes Shemp's next unintentional playground, turning the inventor's professional life into utter chaos.
This wartime short comedy thrives on slapstick absurdity and dark humor, blending military intrigue with the timeless theme of neighbors from hell. Edwards' direction keeps the energy high, while Shemp's signature bumbling and the supporting cast's reactions create a relentless stream of mishaps. The film's atmosphere is pure, frenetic farce, where every well-intentioned act of Shemp's spirals into disaster—making it a standout in the WWII-era comedy genre.