Cash and Carry

Cash and Carry

Year: 1937

Runtime: 18 mins

Language: English

Director: Del Lord

Comedy

The Stooges discover a crippled boy and his sister living in a dumpyard shack. To fund the boy’s operation they buy a bogus treasure map from a con man. Believing the loot is buried under an old house, they dig and end up in a U.S. Treasury vault, where they are arrested. President Franklin D. Roosevelt gives them amnesty and arranges the boy’s surgery.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Cash and Carry (1937)

Trace every key event in Cash and Carry (1937) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Return home after six months of futile prospecting

After six months of fruitless prospecting, the Stooges return to their humble city-dump shack. They discover an orphaned young woman and her incapacitated younger brother, Jimmy, taking up residence there. Curly offers to help Jimmy with his studies, showing early compassion that will guide their actions.

After six months of prospecting City dump shack
2

Compassion awakens for Jimmy's plight

At first wary, the Stooges grow moved when they learn of Jimmy's physical challenges and of the sister's efforts to care for him. They resolve to help in any way they can. Curly even steps in to tutor Jimmy, underscoring their new sense of responsibility.

City dump shack
3

Canned coin discovery sparks a treasure hunt

During a tire search for a replacement tire, Curly discovers a can brimming with coins, and the find sparks contagious excitement among the Stooges. The idea of treasure motivates them to tackle a wider hunt for discarded cans in hopes of more riches. The nickname 'canned coin' captures their astonishment and newfound optimism.

City dump
4

The mission expands to saving Jimmy's surgery

Learning of Jimmy and his sister's financial need, the Stooges shift from simple luck to a serious plan to raise funds for his operation. Their earlier thrift and quick wit become tools in a larger effort to help. The group's empathy deepens as the stakes grow.

City dump shack
5

Bank plan and stalled hopes

They first consider letting their money earn interest in a bank to finance the surgery, but the scheme proves impractical and time-consuming for their urgent needs. The delay only amplifies their frustration and sense of urgency. This setback pushes them toward more direct, risky efforts.

Bank
6

Con men dupe them of savings and car

Two confidence men approach with a tempting 'treasure map' and quickly pocket their meager $62 and their car. The Stooges are duped and left poorer, reinforcing the urgency to find funds for Jimmy's surgery. The betrayal becomes a turning point that drives them to pursue the promised treasure more recklessly.

City streets
7

Treasure hunt to the marked location

Fueled by the map, the Stooges journey to the location indicated by the con men and encounter a string of mishaps. Their misadventures culminate in an accidental breach of a federal site as they chase a supposed fortune. They persist despite the chaos, driven by Jimmy's need.

Indicated location
8

Mistaken gold at the United States Treasury

Arriving at the supposed treasure site, they breach the walls of the United States Treasury and begin digging as if they have struck gold. They uncover stacks of currency instead of treasure, thrilling their imaginations but escalating danger. Their actions trip alarms and draw swift police attention.

United States Treasury
9

Capture and arrest

Authorities arrest the trio as the misadventure spirals out of control. The innocent ribbon of luck unwinds quickly into trouble, leaving them face-to-face with law enforcement. They face the consequences of their desperate gamble.

Washington, D.C. (near Treasury)
10

An unexpected meeting with President Roosevelt

In the aftermath of their arrest, the Stooges encounter President Franklin D. Roosevelt. He learns of Jimmy's medical plight and shows unexpected sympathy for their good intentions. The meeting shifts the story toward a possible resolution.

White House
11

Presidential pardon and funding for Jimmy's surgery

Roosevelt pardons the Stooges and offers to cover the expenses for Jimmy's operation. The act of mercy redeems their misadventure and gives Jimmy a real chance at recovery. The Stooges' willingness to help others culminates in a hopeful, if unlikely, ending.

White House / Presidential office

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 10:43

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Cash and Carry

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