Termites of 1938

The action takes place in 1938, placing it in the late-Depression era when lavish social events were a visible escape for some. The period's fashion and manners frame the contrast between exclusive guests and the uncouth-but-alluring antics of the Stooges. The film uses this setting to heighten the satire of class and propriety during that era. The lightweight plot relies on audience familiarity with vaudeville-style humor that flourished in the 1930s.

A grand residence hosts a prestigious dinner for society's elite, with chandeliers and formal rooms that highlight wealth and status. The foyer and dining salon are lushly appointed, setting a backdrop for social etiquette and elegance. The Stooges arrive in formal attire, mistakenly thinking they're there to clean up vermin rather than entertain, triggering the farce at the heart of the gathering. Their intrusion turns the party into a series of mishaps that disrupt the decorum expected of such an occasion.

🎭 Mistaken Identity

A central driver of the chaos is the misperception of the Stooges' roles. They mistake their assignment as cleaners, while the guests assume they are professional entertainers or courtiers. This mix-up fuels a cascade of slapstick gags, from improvised performances to dangerous misunderstandings. The consequences underscore how appearances can mislead and escalate tension within a formal event.

🎩 Etiquette & Class

The dinner party setting emphasizes strict manners and social codes. The Stooges' irreverent behavior clashes with refined expectations, revealing cracks in the pretensions of high society. The chaos exposes the fragility of appearances when confronted with unorthodox humor. The piece satirizes the divide between wealth, civility, and silliness.

🐭 Chaos of Insects & Rodents

Rodents are released amid the meal, turning a formal affair into pandemonium. A saw becomes a reckless instrument of slapstick, and the ensuing chaos threatens the guests and the house itself. The Stooges scramble to address the supposed vermin problem, only to worsen the situation. The final twist arrives with Arthur returning and a gopher bomb accelerating the disaster.