Out West

Out West

Year: 1947

Runtime: 18 mins

Language: English

Director: Edward Bernds

ComedyWestern

The Stooges seek shelter at the Red Dog Saloon, where Nell tells them that the dreaded Doc Barker murdered her father and has the Arizona Kid imprisoned downstairs. They head west for Shemp’s health, become entangled with Barker’s gang, rescue the Kid, and help him summon the Cavalry, defeating the outlaws before the troops arrive.

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Out West (1947) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Out West (1947), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

When Shemp discovers a troublesome medical condition caused by a swollen vein in his leg, he follows medical advice and heads to the rugged landscapes of the Old West. The journey becomes a chance for the trio to test their wits in a setting that mixes rough terrain with rougher manners, as they pursue relief and a bit of laughter to brighten a stubborn ailment.

In a rough, sun-baked town, Moe and Larry tag along, bringing their relentless energy and a sense of mischief that has followed them from their usual routines. They soon befriend a swaggering outlaw named Doc Barker, whose outward charm masks a far more dangerous ambition. Barker misreads the line about “the biggest vein you ever saw” as a fortune of gold and hatches a plan to seize it for himself.

the biggest vein you ever saw

The Stooges learn that Barker is an outlaw who has Nell Nell in his sights, and Nell is eager to warn them. She reveals that Barker is holding her lover, the Arizona Kid, in the basement of the saloon. With that knowledge, the Stooges pivot from healing to heroism, recognizing that Barker’s schemes threaten real people, not just comic chaos.

The trio devises a bold plan to obtain the prison cell keys from Barker’s coat, a key step toward freeing the Arizona Kid. While [Shemp] joins Barker in a game of poker, Moe and Larry set in motion a treacherous beverage scheme designed to incapacitate Barker and his associates. To keep Shemp safe, they provide him with a harmless sarsaparilla, a small respite that heightens the tension of the impending ruse.

Barker downs the concoction and screams for water, creating the perfect distraction. Seizing the moment, Shemp grabs a nearby fire hose and sprays the entire gang, soaking them as Moe and Larry pretend to rescue Barker from pneumonia. With Barker momentarily distracted, they slip the cell keys from his coat and pass them to Nell, who swiftly frees the Arizona Kid. Barker, furious at the loss of his plunder and control, traps Larry in a cell and vows to kill him at sunrise.

The Arizona Kid springs into action, attempting to summon the United States Cavalry for assistance while the Stooges work behind the scenes. After some rough and ready improvisation with hammers, Moe and Shemp manage to free Larry, and the trio turns Barker’s gang’s misdeeds against them with a brand of slapstick dynamite that’s more comic spectacle than catastrophe. The Cavalry arrives, though their mood leans toward grumbling about the long trip for what turns out to be a messy, mostly unnecessary victory.

In the end, Nell and the Arizona Kid are reconciled, and the town’s tension eases as the Stooges’ blend of wit, teamwork, and physical comedy carries the day. The story threads together romance, rescue, and a lighthearted triumph, leaving the characters in a moment of quiet relief after a farcical showdown in a Western backdrop.

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 12:27

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Explore Movie Threads

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.

Comic Western Farce like in Out West

Classic Western tropes turned upside-down with fast-paced, physical comedy.If you enjoyed the hilarious hijinks of Out West, explore more movies that blend classic Western plots with energetic slapstick comedy. This thread features films where outlaws, sheriffs, and saloons become the backdrop for pranks, impersonations, and triumphant, farcical heroics.

slapstickfarcicalplayfullightheartedmischievousheroicenergetictriumphant

Narrative Summary

Stories typically follow a straightforward plot, often a rescue mission or a conflict with villains, but the resolution is achieved through a series of comedic set pieces, distractions, and physical gags rather than serious drama. The journey is more about the laughs than the stakes.

Why These Movies?

They are grouped by their shared commitment to using the Western genre as a playground for comedy, prioritizing playful energy, farcical situations, and a light, triumphant feel over gritty realism or intense drama.

Chaotic Teamwork Comedies like in Out West

A group of underdogs uses chaos and teamwork to overcome a larger threat.Fans of the Stooges' collaborative antics in Out West will enjoy these movies about teams using chaotic plans and teamwork to succeed. Discover similar films featuring groups of heroes who triumph through a series of energetic, farcical schemes and lighthearted cooperation.

teamworkenergeticmischievousfarcicaltriumphantlightheartedplayfulcooperative

Narrative Summary

The narrative usually involves the team identifying a problem or villain, then devising and executing a sequence of improvised, often ridiculous, plans that build upon each other. Their success relies on their collective wit and the confusion they sow, leading to a climactic, triumphant resolution.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by the core theme of teamwork as a source of comedy and victory. They share a fast pace, a light emotional weight, and a focus on the dynamic and humorous interactions within the group.

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Don't stop at just watching — explore Out West in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Out West is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Out West Timeline

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Out West Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Out West

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Out West

Out West Spoiler-Free Summary

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Out West Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Out West

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