Scheming Schemers 1956

Stooges arrive at Norfleet Mansion

The Stooges are hired as all-night plumbers to recover a valuable ring that fell down a drain at the Norfleet mansion during a party. They plan to work quietly so as not to disturb the elegant guests. The job begins as they survey the mansion's plumbing, hopeful for a quick retrieval.

Party ambience and discreet operation

Mr. Norfleet hosts an opulent party and hopes the plumbers won't disturb his guests. The mansion buzzes with social intrigue as the ring search gets underway. The Stooges brace for a discreet job amid the pomp and chatter.

Ring found in the drain

The Stooges locate the ring in the drain, signaling a potential breakthrough. Excitement shortens the distance to a simple recovery before surprises arise. They prepare to pull the jewel free while guests mingle nearby.

Ring slides back down the drain

Larry accidentally propels the jewel back down the drain, foiling the first success. The ring vanishes again, forcing a fresh hunt through the mansion's plumbing. The situation grows more tangled as the pipes become a new puzzle.

Basement plumbing chaos

They search the basement and begin to confuse water pipes with electrical lines, triggering a cascade of water. Water bursts from unexpected sources, soaking halls and guests and turning the party into a slapstick fiasco. The plumbers press on, undeterred by the chaos.

Shemp works in upstairs bathtub

Meanwhile, Shemp goes upstairs with his tools to work in the bathtub. His task runs parallel to the basement chaos and adds to the confusion. He becomes part of the mounting slapstick as pipes tangle around him.

Painting theft by Allen couple

The painting by Van Brocklin is stolen by party guests Mr. and Mrs. Allen, raising the stakes for Norfleet and the Stooges. The theft injects urgency into the ring-recovery mission. Suspicion and anxiety ripple through the mansion as pursuit begins.

Allen detained with a cream pie

Moe and Larry corner Allen with the painting and detain him using the only weapon at hand, a cream pie. The pie sling adds to the chaotic comedy, and Allen is captured. The immediate threat to the artwork is contained.

Pie fight erupts

A full-fledged pie fight erupts in the mansion, scattering filling and laughter. The chaos underscores the film's slapstick tone as more guests join the spectacle. Allen is subdued as the Stooges regain control of the situation.

Reward offered for ring and painting

Mr. Norfleet, relieved by the recovery of both the ring and the painting, offers the Stooges a generous reward. The successful recovery brings the caper toward a close as the party settles. Gratitude replaces tension as the household quiets.

Where is Shemp?

Moe and Larry wonder where Shemp is, only to discover he remains upstairs, still ensnared in the bathtub's tangle of pipes. The moment adds a final note of comic tension to the night's events. The audience is left with Shemp's predicament as a lingering gag.