Three Pests in a Mess 1945

Patent plans overheard by crooks

The Stooges unveil their fly-catching invention and press ahead with the plan to secure a patent. Across the hallway, a group of nefarious individuals residing in the neighboring apartments overhears the discussion about needing to trap 100,000 flies to qualify for the patent. The overheard scheme promises potential riches, drawing the crooks into the plot.

Crooks attempt extortion over imagined funds

One crook pretends to be interested in Curly and tries to coerce him into surrendering supposed funds, believing Curly holds $100,000. The extortion is based on a misunderstanding, since the 'money' actually refers to flies needed for the patent. The Stooges remain unsuspecting as the plan tightens around them.

Realization the money is flies triggers betrayal

Upon realizing the $100,000 refers to flies rather than cash, the flirtatious crook switches sides and organizes the other crooks to chase the Stooge trio. She mobilizes the gang to pursue the Stooges, transforming the situation into a full-on pursuit. The Stooges now face a real, organized threat.

The Stooges hide in a sporting goods store

The Stooges seek refuge in a sporting goods store, hoping to shake off their pursuers. The store becomes a stage for a string of comic mishaps as objects tumble and schemes go awry. The chase continues among shelves and shoppers, amplifying the slapstick chaos.

Curly shoots a mannequin, thinking it’s a person

Inside the store, Curly accidentally shoots a mannequin, thinking he has killed a real person. The mistaken belief that a person died intensifies the panic and escalates the pursuit. The incident provides the catalyst for the next misadventure: burying the mannequin.

Burial plan for the mannequin at a cemetery

Believing the mannequin is a human casualty, the Stooges carry it to a nearby pet cemetery to bury it discreetly. They dig a grave, perform a hasty burial, and try to conceal the supposed crime. The absurd burial becomes the focal point of the escalating caper.

Night watchman alerts the cemetery owner

At the cemetery, the night watchman spots the burial activity and radios the owner, Philip Black. The owner then becomes involved as he learns of an odd burial taking place on his grounds. The situation grows more complicated and risky for the Stooges.

Philip Black arrives in disguise with associates

Philip Black arrives at the cemetery with his associates, dressed in a spooky disguise as part of a masquerade they attend. He brings an air of menace to the scene and encounters the Stooges during their questionable burial. The clash mixes danger with the carnival-like atmosphere of the masquerade.

Confrontation at the cemetery

Black confronts the Stooges while they attempt to hide their supposed crime. A chaotic struggle erupts as the trio tries to dispose of the mannequin amid the odd surroundings. The encounter blends threat with classic slapstick mischief.

Cemetery inhabitants awaken

Amid the chaos, the cemetery’s inhabitants unexpectedly rise from their resting places. The resulting spectacle terrifies the Stooges and heightens the sense of threat. The sudden living-dead reveal amplifies the farcical danger of the situation.