The Big Idea (1934) starring Ted Healy and His Stooges (Moe Howard, Larry Fine, Curly Howard)

The Big Idea starring Ted Healy and His Stooges – Ted Healy’s trying to put together a “big idea” (which turns into highlights of a radio show and a dance routine) despite many interruptions and the antics of Moe Howard, Larry Fine, Curly Howard

Interruptions

• Drunk answering Healy’s phone
• Cleaning lady repeatedly coming in and pouring garbage on the floor
• Man with a “violin case” coming in, going to the window, and firing a machine gun!
• The Three Stooges – enter three different times, playing different musical instruments — and then soaking Ted Healy!

Cast of characters

• Ted Healy (Beer and Pretzels) … Ted Healy, Scenario Company President
• Moe Howard (You Nazty Spy!) … Healy’s Stooge (as Howard)
• Larry Fine (He Cooked His Goose) … Healy’s Stooge (as Fine)
• Curly Howard (Oily to Bed, Oily to Rise) … Healy’s Stooge (as Howard)
• Bonnie Bonnell (Nertsery Rhymes) … Cleaning Lady
• Muriel Evans … Honey, Ted’s Fiancee
• The Radio Rogues (Reveille with Beverly) … Themselves (as Three Radio Rogues)
  • Eddie Bartell … Radio Rogue Imitating Amos n’ Andy (uncredited)
  • Jimmy Hollywood … Radio Rogue singing ‘Marta’ (uncredited)
  • Henry Taylor … Radio Rogue Imitating Bing Crosby (uncredited)
• Tut Mace … Dancer
• M-G-M Dancing Girls … Themselves

Additional cast

• Heinie Conklin (I’m a Monkey’s Uncle) … Drunk Answering Telephone (uncredited)
• Lew Harvey … Machine Gunner (uncredited)

Trivia

• Released May 12, 1934.
• This was the final MGM short subject starring Ted Healy & His Stooges.
• Released a week after Woman Haters (1934), which was the first Three Stooges Columbia short.