Fifi Blows Her Top

1958 film by Jules White

April 10, 1958 (1958-04-10) (U.S.)

Running time

16:22CountryUnited StatesLanguageEnglish

Fifi Blows Her Top is a 1958 short subject directed by Jules White starring American slapstick comedy team The Three Stooges (Moe Howard, Larry Fine and Joe Besser). It is the 184th entry in the series released by Columbia Pictures starring the comedians, who released 190 shorts for the studio between 1934 and 1959.

Plot

The Stooges engage in nostalgic recollections of their romantic encounters during their service in Europe during the war. Following the conclusion of their reminiscences, they are astonished to learn that Joe's former paramour, Fifi, whom he had left behind in Paris, has taken up residence in the adjacent dwelling. However, complications arise as Fifi is now wedded to a malevolent, possessive, and unappreciative spouse.

In their characteristic manner, the Stooges inadvertently cause havoc, resulting in the ruination of Fifi's attire. A comedic mishap ensues when they attire her in pajamas, inadvertently prompting the arrival of her husband. Revealed to be a contemptible character, the husband's deplorable behavior prompts Fifi to rebuff him decisively upon overhearing his intentions to seek a new spouse. Subsequently, she reconciles with Joe, opting to return to his side.

Cast

Credited

Moe Howard as Moe
Larry Fine as Larry
Joe Besser as Joe
Vanda Dupre as Fifi
Philip Van Zandt as Mort, Fifi's husband
Harriette Tarler as Parisian waitress
Christine McIntyre as Katrina (stock footage)

Uncredited

Joe Palma as Military Policeman
Heinie Conklin as Bartender
Yvette Reynard/Marie Monteil as Maria (stock footage)
Al Thompson as Sleeping Man in Restaurant (stock footage)
Jackie Kening Jr. as first male Cafe customer
Harry Kening as second male Cafe customer
Suzanne Ridgeway as female Cafe customer

Production notes

Fifi Blows Her Top is a primarily a reworking of Laurel and Hardy's Unaccustomed As We Are (1929) and Block-Heads (1938) while incorporating several stock scenes from the Stooges' Love at First Bite (1950).^[1]^[2] New footage was filmed over two days on February 12–13, 1957.^[3]

Fifi Blows Her Top marks the final appearance of longtime foil Philip Van Zandt. The actor committed suicide a year after filming wrapped and did not live to see its release.^[2]

References

^ Galbraith IV, Stuart (July 7, 2012). "The Three Stooges: The Ultimate Collection". DVD Talk. Retrieved September 10, 2019.
^ ^a ^b Solomon, Jon. (2002) The Complete Three Stooges: The Official Filmography and Three Stooges Companion, p. 504-505; Comedy III Productions, Inc., ISBN 0-9711868-0-4.
^ Fifi Blows Her Top at threestooges.net