Ep 14. An Ache in Every Stake

In "An Ache in Every Stake," the 14th episode of season 1 of the Three Stooges Collection from 1940-1942, viewers are treated to a classic example of the slapstick comedy that made the trio so beloved by audiences around the world.

The episode begins with the Stooges working as icemen, hauling large blocks of ice up a steep hill in order to deliver them to various customers. As they make their way to a fancy mansion, they are accosted by a pair of mischievous younger boys who proceed to pelt them with snowballs. Not to be outdone, the Stooges retaliate with their own barrage of snowballs, leading to a comedic snowball fight that leaves everyone covered in the white stuff.

After their delivery is complete, the Stooges are hired by the mansion's cook to help prepare a large dinner party for the wealthy homeowners. They are tasked with cooking a massive fish, but of course, chaos ensues. In classic Three Stooges fashion, the fish turns out to be much larger than they anticipated, leading to a series of mishaps involving boiling water, fish bones, and even a golf club.

Meanwhile, the mischievous boys from earlier are causing trouble in the kitchen, leading to a series of additional slapstick gags involving flour, dough, and a large rolling pin.

As the Stooges struggle to get the fish cooked, they are constantly interrupted by the boys and the unhelpful butler, leading to escalating levels of chaos and hilarity.

Despite all the obstacles, however, the Stooges manage to pull off the impossible and deliver a perfectly cooked fish to the dinner party guests. However, just as they are about to celebrate their victory, the mischievous boys once again enter the picture, causing yet more chaos and destruction. In the end, the Stooges are left covered in food and debris, but with their signature good humor and sense of fun still intact.

Overall, "An Ache in Every Stake" is a hilarious and fast-paced episode that showcases the Three Stooges at their comedic best. Full of memorable gags, clever physical humor, and outrageous situations, it's a classic example of the type of comedy that made the trio such enduring favorites of audiences around the world. Whether you're a longtime fan or are new to the world of the Three Stooges, this episode is sure to leave you laughing and smiling from start to finish.