Back from the Front (1943)
The Stooges join the war effort by enlisting at Merchant Marines. While aboard, they have a brief run-in with (a secret German Nazi officer) Lt. Dungen (Vernon Dent), and then mistake a torpedo for a beached whale. Moe says they have to kill it, and it promptly explodes. After being lost at sea for several days, they come across the SS Schicklgruber and climb aboard. Now with fully grown beards, they come across Lt. Dungen again, who does not recognize them. After realizing they are on a German war ship they eventually overtake the crew and toss them overboard.
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Sorry, this movie sucks
Sadly Over-hyped
It's fun, it's light, [but] it has a hard time when its tries to get heavy.
A film with more than the usual spoiler issues. Talking about it in any detail feels akin to handing you a gift-wrapped present and saying, "I hope you like it -- It's a thriller about a diabolical secret experiment."
"Back from the Front" is an American black-and-white short film from almost 75 years ago. It features the Stooges in the formation that most consider their best: Moe, Curly and Larry. This one came out in 1943 and if you know a bit about history, you will know that World War II was in full gear at the time and as a consequence the Stooges make mostly fun of German politic(ian)s from start to finish. The film runs for slightly under 20 minutes as they usually do. Unfortunately, I cannot agree with people who think this is among the most popular and best the comedy trio had to offer. A couple German words cannot really make up for the lack of convincing slapstick humor in here and I don't think this is anywhere near the best what the Stooges have to offer. I would even say that this one is the best watch for historians and not for comedy fans as it is an interesting combination of film and politics and you could certainly call it a propaganda movie. But it's not a particularly witty or funny one. Thumbs down.
Back from the Front (1943) *** (out of 4) Moe, Larry and Curly are on an American ship when they are struck by a torpedo. They end up in the waters but spot a ship far ahead. Once on the ship they realize it's a German one so they must try and destroy everyone on it.As was the case with many of the Stooges shorts during this period, making fun of Hitler and Germany runs throughout. There are some pretty funny moments throughout this short with several highlights including Moe once again playing Hitler who sneezes at the wrong time. Another funny gag deals with a large gun and some beans. With that said, the best moment comes when Moe and Larry are taking turns knocking out bad guys and carrying them away until Larry gets the wrong one. If you're a fan of the boys this here is certainly a good one.
I find most of the Three Stooges shorts very funny and this one is no exception. It starts a little boring but the final parts make up for that. Moe's Hitler imitation is great. The way Moe, Larry and Curly can repeat the same joke and still keep it funny is great. Another funny Three Stooges movie.
This is not only one of the all time Stooge shorts, but it also features one of Moe's best performances as the "Little Bavarian Corporal". Moe Howard probably was the best imitator of Hitler (ironic for a Jew) and he does it to great effect in this film. Just check out "You Natzi Spy", "I'll Never Heil Again" and, my personal favorite, "They Stooge to Conga".