HOOFS AND GOOFS

Production Information
Title: 
Hoofs And Goofs
Studio: Columbia
Short Number: 175
Release Date: January 31, 1957
Running Time: 15:5

“You’re the anesthetist.” “Don’t call me names!”
(Larry and Joe)

Hoofs And Goofs Short Take

Although the Stooges’ sister, Birdie, has been dead more than a year, Joe will not let her memory fade. He studies reincarnation, thinking someday Birdie might return. While walking the streets, Joe hears Birdie’s voice coming from a horse. The Stooges are delighted to find their reincarnated sister and take her home to celebrate, and attempt to keep Birdie hidden from their landlord Mr. Dinkelspiel.

Cast & Crew

Directed byJules White
Produced byJules White
Written byJack White
StarringMoe Howard
Larry Fine
Joe Besser
Harriette Tarler
Benny Rubin
Tony the Wonder Horse
Joe Palma
Ruth Godfrey White
CinematographyGert Andersen
Edited byHarold White

Hoofs And Goofs Trivia

  • The voice of ‘Birdie’ was recorded two months after filming, with script pages dated June 8, 1956. The specific recording date is unknown.

Production Notes

Hoofs and Goofs was the first Three Stooges short featuring Joe Besser as the third Stooge; filming was completed April 18–20, 1956. According to Besser’s autobiography Not Just a Stooge, Besser spoke to Moe shortly before filming to convey his condolences over the death of Shemp Howard the year before. Joe and Shemp had been good friends.

The film’s original ending was to have the Stooges’ sister, Birdie, hit Joe with a rolling pin. However, due to his not wanting to be hit in the head with a solid prop, it was changed to a casserole.

The film makes reference to actress Kim Novak, when spoken by the reincarnated Birdie.

The film would have a direct sequel, Horsing Around, released on September 12, 1957.