Year: 1940
Runtime: 18 mins
Language: English
Director: Jules White
The film follows a pair of bumbling stooges who pose as singing waiters after being recruited by two eccentric doctors. Their mission: lift the spirits of a despondent little girl whose banker father has vanished, taking $300,000 in bonds with him. Hijinks and musical numbers ensue as they scramble to locate the missing man and restore cheer.
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Read the complete plot breakdown of Nutty But Nice (1940), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
The Stooges—[Moe Howard], [Larry Fine], and [Curly Howard]—perform as singing waiters in a bustling restaurant, where two doctors worry about Betty Williams, a young girl whose health seems shadowed by grief. Betty’s father, Mr. Williams, a bank cashier, has vanished while transporting bonds worth $300,000.
Moved by compassion, the trio pledges to find the missing father, spurred on by a description provided by the doctors: a middle-aged man with a bald spot, an anchor tattoo, and about 5’10” in height. The father and Betty share a love of yodeling, a talent Curly surprisingly demonstrates, infusing the search with warmth and a touch of comic air.
They comb the route of suspects in their characteristic quick-witted, goofy fashion, turning every lead into a chance for mischief and heart. Curly’s impromptu yodeling cuts through the noise and accidentally guides them to the hideout of one kidnapper, Butch, who is holding the captured father. A mistaken radio “yodeling cowboy” moment adds to the chaos as the Stooges close in, subduing [Butch] and freeing [Mr. Williams] from captivity.
The moment intensifies as three more gang members arrive at the scene. The Stooges and the rescued father barricade themselves in a room and improvise a daring escape using a dumbwaiter to descend into a shadowy basement. A tense, rattling contest of wiles unfolds in the dim space, and the Stooges emerge victorious, with Curly the only one left conscious in the aftermath.
Back above ground, Betty’s spirits are revived at the sight of her father’s return. The two doctors—Dr. Walters and Dr. Lyman—join the reunited family in a closing moment of celebration, as the trio’s warmth and teamwork are toasted in a final, heartening serenade. The film closes on a note of gratitude, camaraderie, and the enduring power of kindness and laughter.
Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 09:29
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Bumbling heroes on a chaotic, good-natured quest to save the day.Find more movies like Nutty But Nice where lovable, clumsy characters bumble their way through a rescue or quest. These similar slapstick comedies feature fast-paced, silly antics, a light emotional touch, and a story centered on cheering someone up or setting things right with chaotic good humor.
Stories in this thread typically follow a simple quest structure, often a rescue or a mission to help someone in need. The central conflict is propelled not by the heroes' competence, but by their endearing incompetence, leading to a chain reaction of slapstick gags, chases, and misunderstandings that are all resolved happily.
These films are grouped by their shared commitment to pure, lighthearted fun. They combine a fast pace, low-intensity stakes, and a focus on physical comedy and visual gags, ensuring the mood remains buoyant and uplifting from start to finish.
Uplifting stories where music and humor combine to heal hearts.Discover more feel-good movies similar to Nutty But Nice that mix musical numbers with comedic antics to lift spirits. If you liked the blend of silly humor and song in this film, you'll enjoy these other lighthearted stories where music is the key to solving problems and bringing joy.
The common narrative pattern involves a problem—often a character's sadness or a family's rift—that is addressed through the infectious power of performance. The plot is straightforward, serving as a vehicle for musical set-pieces and comedic episodes that collectively build towards a heartwarming, celebratory conclusion.
These movies are united by their primary goal: to entertain and uplift the audience through a specific formula of humor and music. The tone is consistently warm and optimistic, the pacing is lively, and the overall experience is designed to be undemanding and cheerful.
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