Ep 20. Matri-Phony

The Three Stooges Collection 1940-1942 features some of the most iconic slapstick comedy from the golden age of Hollywood. In season 1 episode 20, titled "Matri-Phony," the three bumbling Stooges find themselves embroiled in a wild wedding mix-up.

The episode begins with the Stooges working as handymen at a hospital. When Larry accidentally knocks a patient unconscious, the trio is forced to make a hasty escape. They end up at a fancy society party, where they meet the beautiful Mary (Marjorie Deanne). Larry and Moe both fall for Mary, but she's engaged to another man.

As luck would have it, Mary's fiancé is a dead ringer for Curly. When the real Curly shows up, the Stooges decide to switch places in an attempt to win over Mary. They dress Curly up in a suit and send him to the party, while Larry and Moe help the real fiancé sneak out of the hospital and into the party.

Of course, chaos ensues as the Stooges and the real fiancé try to keep their identities straight and win Mary's heart. There are plenty of slapstick gags, including a hilarious sequence where the Stooges try to sneak a stolen cake past a suspicious waiter.

As usual, the physical comedy is top-notch, with plenty of eye-pokes, head-slaps, and classic Stooge shenanigans. The trio's chemistry is on full display, as they bounce off each other with perfect timing and comic precision.

Overall, "Matri-Phony" is a must-see episode for fans of classic Hollywood slapstick. With its hilarious mix of mistaken identity and romantic hijinks, it's a true gem from the Three Stooges' early years.