bkoganbing
Harry Cohn was known to use The Three Stooges shorts as opportunities to try out young players in supporting roles. But in his wildest imagination I'm sure he never thought that in casting this short, Lucille Ball would grow up to be a comic icon, every bit as much as the stars of this film.Of course Lucy who is a Jean Harlow platinum blond in this film does not get to display too much comic talent except as a foil for the Stooges. She's the moll of some gangsters who want to hire some football players from college on the sly so the kids don't lose amateur status. The idea is that they'll be ringers. Instead it's the gangsters who get good and rung when they hire Moe, Larry, and Curly.College films were so popular in the Thirties, showing upper class kids who did very little study, but always had time for music, girls and the inevitable big football game. This particular short is right in keeping with Horsefeathers, College Humor and so many more I can't count. They all were pretty much the same and Three Little Pigskins doesn't break any new ground.Still what Moe, Larry, and especially Curly do to the game of football is not to be believed. Knute Rockne must have been turning over in his grave, doubled up with laughter of course.
Jim-500
Here we have a classic stooge short: costumes, beautiful women, football, and... the boys ruining everything. Only problem, it's not funny! The humor in this short is comparable to its predecessor, Men in Black: we have a lot of both visual and verbal nonsense, but very little in slapstick or surprise. Remember that when this was made, moving pictures that told stories had only been around for about 20 years. So audiences of the day probably found this short enjoyable. But if you're looking for something clever, you won't find it here. The humor relies mostly on absurd moments.Two items of note: one of the cast members is a 23-year-old Lucille Ball. Also, in this short Curly's famous "Woo-Woo-Woo" cry is nearly perfected. He still speaks in his normal voice, though, complete with Brooklyn accent.True stooge aficionados will enjoy the film for its historical place; but if you want out-and-out stooge humor, leave this one in the bin.
revgen
Like the previous reviewer mentioned, this movie is not the best they ever made. Part of that is attributed to the injuries that occurred on the set. Larry lost a tooth when one of the bit players mistimed a punch. Curly broke his leg in one of the scenes. Even the stunt doubles sustained injuries. These injuries probably affected their ability to perform at their best.Nonetheless, I still think it's entertaining and funny.This short was filmed at the Los Angeles Gilmore Stadium with the Loyola University football team as extras. The name "Three Little Pigskins" was in reference to Walt Disneys popular cartoon short "Three Little Pigs."
James L.
Just a funny little Three Stooges short. The slapstick is rather good , it is pretty compact and well-done, a good chance for them to do their shtick. Lucille Ball appears, very pre-Lucy . Funny concept in which Moe, Larry, and Curly get mistaken for famous football players. I saw this right after the New Years proceedings a year ago.
AD
