All the World’s a Stooge

All the World’s a Stooge

Year: 1941

Runtime: 17 mins

Language: English

Director: Del Lord

Comedy

The Stooges are window washers until Moe, posing as a dentist, gets them fired. While on the run, a wealthy man hires them to pose as children for his wife, who wants to adopt refugees to impress society. Moe becomes “Johnny,” Curly “Frankie,” Larry “Mabel.” Their antics amuse the guests, but they anger the husband, who chases them with an axe.

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Timeline & Setting – All the World’s a Stooge (1941)

Explore the full timeline and setting of All the World’s a Stooge (1941). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

City skyscraper window-washing scaffold, Dentist's office, Bullion residence

The action moves between a tall, urban building where the window washers work, a dentist's office where a dental mishap triggers chaos, and the opulent Bullion home where family dynamics and social ambitions unfold. The settings emphasize a city environment, professional spaces, and a wealthy household as backdrops for the gags and schemes. A party scene within the Bullion mansion showcases the contrast between wealth and everyday mischief.

🏙️ Cityscape 🎭 Comedy 💰 Wealth and class

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 17:27

Main Characters – All the World’s a Stooge (1941)

Meet the key characters of All the World’s a Stooge (1941), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Ajax Bullion (Emory Parnell)

Wealthy and calculating, Ajax Bullion uses his money to manipulate everyone around him. He hatches a scheme to pass the Stooges off as refugee children to deter his wife’s philanthropic plans. His sharp mind and disregard for others' feelings fuel the mischief, even as he remains blissfully unaware of the chaos he creates.

💼 Wealthy 🧠 Schemer

Larry (Larry Fine)

One of the window-washing trio, Larry is comically bungling yet affable. He contributes to the scheme with a mix of luck and clumsy timing that drives the slapstick humor. His easygoing demeanor makes his blunders part of the film’s charm.

😂 Slapstick 🧩 Sidekick

Moe (Moe Howard)

The self-appointed leader of the Stooges, Moe orchestrates the plan and keeps the others in line. He directs the 'dentist' misadventure and the dry-floor task, using quick wit and sharp takedowns to propel the chaos. His impatience often precipitates the comic mayhem.

👔 Leader 🎭 Comedy

Curly (Curly Howard)

Curly provides physical comedy and a buoyant, naive energy that amplifies the Stooges’ misbehavior. He follows Moe and Larry into schemes, contributing to the level of ridiculousness with his expressive reactions. His antics intensify the film’s slapstick rhythm.

😂 Slapstick 🤹‍♂️ Energetic

Lotta Bullion (Lelah Tyler)

Ajax’s wife, eager to adopt a refugee, representing charitable goodwill. She becomes frustrated by the Stooges’ interference yet remains affectionate toward her family. Her idealism clashes with the chaotic schemes, creating a comedic clash of values.

💖 Family 🧭 Philanthropy

Botters - Butler (Olaf Hytten)

The household butler who observes the chaos with a restrained, formal presence. He embodies the class structure of the wealthy home and contributes a calm counterpoint to the rising disorder.

🧰 Butler 🧷 Service

Party Guest (Poppy Wilde)

A minor attendee at the Bullion party, his presence frames the social scene and the party’s celebratory backdrop for the Stooges’ antics.

🎉 Social scene 🗨️ Cameo

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 17:27

Major Themes – All the World’s a Stooge (1941)

Explore the central themes of All the World’s a Stooge (1941), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎭 Deception

A central thread is deception and mistaken identity: the Stooges pose as refugee children, while Ajax pretends to be oblivious to the chaos around him. The plans rely on lies and cover-ups, which explode when truth surfaces. The humor stems from characters misreading intent and the consequences of sly manipulation.

💰 Wealth & Charity

Wealth drives the plot and moral tension: Ajax's riches enable a cynical scheme to discourage charitable impulses. His wife's philanthropic hopes clash with money-driven motives, creating comedic conflict within a financially charged household. The story satirizes the gap between social virtue and personal gain.

😂 Chaos & Comedy

The narrative erupts in physical gags—the window-washing mishap, dental bungling, and the toddlers' antics—propelling constant pratfalls. The Stooges' bumbling schemes generate escalating chaos that undercuts pretensions and drives the outcome. Through slapstick, the film exposes characters' flaws and keeps the tone light and irreverent.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 17:27

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All the World’s a Stooge Summary

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All the World’s a Stooge Summary

All the World’s a Stooge Timeline

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All the World’s a Stooge Timeline

More About All the World’s a Stooge

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