Three Missing Links

Three Missing Links

Year: 1938

Runtime: 18 mins

Language: English

Director: Jules White

Comedy

The stooges are janitors at a studio; after ruining the boss’s office they get hired as extras for an African‑themed picture. Curly plays a gorilla, Moe and Larry primitive natives. On location they clash with a witch doctor, from whom Curly buys “love candy” to win the leading lady. When a female gorilla appears, Curly eats the candy and chases her.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Three Missing Links yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Three Missing Links (1938)

Trace every key event in Three Missing Links (1938) 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

Custodial duties at a Hollywood studio

The Stooges start their day as janitorial staff at the prestigious Super Terrific Productions. They perform routine maintenance around the studio, sweeping and tidying as script readings and production activity bustle around them. Their mundane tasks quietly set the stage for the chaotic events to come.

Hollywood studio
2

Chaos in Botswaddle's sanctum

While evaluating scripts for Jilted in the Jungle, the trio's antics spark pandemonium inside B. O. Botswaddle's inner sanctum. The disruption disrupts the curator's focus and tests the studio's order. The moment foreshadows the unusual fate awaiting the brothers.

B. O. Botswaddle's inner sanctum
3

Curly's chicken impersonation captivates Botswaddle

Curly performs a wild impersonation resembling a chicken with its head cut off, drawing a surprised audience. Botswaddle recognizes a primal spark in Curly, hinting at a missing-link archetype. This odd talent suddenly propels the trio toward cinematic consideration.

Botswaddle's office
4

Promotion to leading roles

Botswaddle elevates Moe, Larry, and Curly from custodial obscurity to the forefront of the upcoming epic. The trio shifts from behind-the-scenes invisibility to visible potential in the eyes of the studio. They brace for a new, more demanding chapter in their careers.

Hollywood studio
5

Journey to Africa begins

Accompanied by Moe and Larry, Curly embarks on a cinematic journey to Africa to shoot Jilted in the Jungle. The move takes them from the studio lot to real jungle landscapes, introducing genuine danger and wonder into their adventure. The trip marks a dramatic shift from fake sets to real perilous terrain.

Africa
6

Camp setup in the jungle

They set up camp amid the lush jungle backdrop as part of the production's logistics. Equipment is unpacked, scenes are planned, and the crew negotiates the challenges of shooting off a conventional set. The environment is exciting but unpredictable.

African jungle camp
7

Love candy purchases to woo Mirabel Mirabel

Curly buys 'love candy' from a purveyor of unconventional remedies to captivate Mirabel Mirabel, the leading lady. The purchase signals Curly's willingness to go to whimsical extremes for affection. The moment adds a zany, romantic thread to the jungle production.

night jungle camp vendor
8

Nighttime lion intrusion

A curious lion wanders into the encampment at night, prompting a rapid retreat by the Stooges. The encounter underscores the dangers of the jungle and tests their nerve. It sets a tone of unpredictable wildlife interference for the shoot.

night African jungle camp
9

Simian costume clashes with a real gorilla

The following day, Curly, in a scene requiring a simian costume, comes face to face with a real jungle gorilla. The surprise confrontation disrupts the film set and forces a hasty retreat by the crew. The line between fiction and danger blurs in slapstick fashion.

the following day jungle film set
10

Love candy takes effect

In a misguided attempt to pacify the agitated gorilla, Curly swallows the love candy and suddenly falls for the creature. The absurd romance adds another layer of chaos to the production. His infatuation ignites a humorous, impractical pursuit.

jungle set
11

Curly's zealous pursuit of the gorilla

Driven by an improbable affection, Curly embarks on a zealous chase of his gorilla beloved. Moe and Larry scramble to keep the production on track while managing the escalating misadventure. The chase becomes the dominant comic storyline on set.

African jungle
12

Rising stardom despite chaos

Even amid chaos, Botswaddle confirms Curly's primal archetype and elevates the trio's status in cinema. The jungle escapade becomes a catalyst for their notoriety rather than a conventional success. The team consolidates their place in showbusiness while continuing their misadventures.

Hollywood studio

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 11:01

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Three Missing Links Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Three Missing Links

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