Three on a Limb

Three on a Limb

Year: 1936

Runtime: 18 mins

Language: English

Director: Charles Lamont

Comedy

Scoutmaster Elmer Brown falls for a carhop at a drive‑in diner, but she’s engaged to a police officer. The officer hounds Elmer with traffic tickets, but the carhop sympathizes and runs off with him. She also fends off another suitor, Oscar, while her parents support opposite men. All three clash at a chaotic wedding where Elmer finally wins her hand.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Three on a Limb 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!

Three on a Limb (1936) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Three on a Limb (1936), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

Elmer, a boy scout, Buster Keaton, stops for lunch at a roadside diner and falls in love with Molly, Lona Andre, the waitress, right away.

Molly’s fiancée, a traffic warden named Homer, Harold Goodwin, arrives and gives Elmer a ticket, but Molly Lona Andre allows Elmer to drive her home and while backing up he accidentally runs over Homer’s motorcycle.

Molly reveals her parents are trying to pressure her into marrying Homer but she is not in love with him.

Molly introduces her mother Fern Emmett and father John Ince to Elmer, and they instantly disapprove of him due to his appearance and outfit.

Molly’s father challenges Elmer’s scout skills by getting him to prove he can make a fire by rubbing two sticks together.

Elmer accidentally sets fire to Molly’s parents’ rug. He attempts to extinguish the fire with a hose but there is a knot in the tube which stops the water from coming out. Homer arrives and sees the knot, he unties it and is sprayed with the water from the hose.

As Elmer and Molly clean up the mess, Molly’s father tells Homer to propose to Molly immediately.

Elmer attempts to gain Molly’s father’s blessing to propose to Molly and is told to go and fetch a justice of the peace, however this is a ruse so that the justice can marry Molly and Homer instead.

Homer throws Elmer out of the house so he can marry Molly in peace.

Outside, Elmer saves a man named Oscar Grant Withers from his wife whom he was intending to leave for another woman.

In return Elmer asks for Oscar’s help putting a stop to the wedding.

However, when the two arrive at the wedding Oscar Grant Withers recognizes Molly as the woman he was going to leave his wife for.

Elmer, Oscar and Homer engage in a three-way scuffle, each attempting to marry Molly.

Eventually Oscar’s wife shows up and causes chaos in the house.

Elmer and Molly manage to sneak away with the justice of the peace and are finally married.

Last Updated: October 07, 2025 at 08:54

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

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.

Frantic Romantic Farces like Three on a Limb

Fast-paced comedies where romantic rivalry erupts into slapstick chaos.If you enjoyed the chaotic, fast-paced energy of Three on a Limb, you'll love these movies. This list features similar comedies where lighthearted romantic pursuits devolve into slapstick misadventures, featuring playful rivalry and a brisk pace that keeps the laughs coming.

slapstickfranticromanticchaoticuproariousplayfulescapade

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern typically involves a straightforward romantic goal—winning the heart of a beloved—that is constantly thwarted by a comedic rival or a series of improbable, physical gags. The journey is a continuous, playful escapade rather than a deep emotional arc, culminating in a chaotic final confrontation where the hero triumphs.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped together because they share a specific mix of fast pacing, light tone, and low-intensity slapstick humor. They prioritize frantic energy and playful romantic conflict over complex plotting or heavy emotion, creating a consistently upbeat and uproarious viewing experience.

Underdog Triumph Comedies like Three on a Limb

Stories where a mischievous hero outsmarts an unfair rival in a position of power.Fans of Three on a Limb will enjoy these stories of playful rebellion. Discover movies where a charming underdog cleverly overcomes a bullying rival, often someone in a position of power like a police officer or boss, leading to a satisfying and humorous victory.

mischievoustriumphantunderdogrivalryplayfulcleversatisying

Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a clear underdog protagonist who is persecuted by an antagonistic authority figure. The conflict is driven by the underdog's clever or chaotic attempts to evade and ultimately embarrass their oppressor. The journey is one of mischievous rebellion, culminating in a public and humorous triumph that proves the little guy can win.

Why These Movies?

These films share a core dynamic of a lighthearted power struggle where mischief and cleverness triumph over rigid authority. The enjoyment comes from rooting for the underdog as they navigate and overcome the obstacles set by a pompous or unfair rival, all within a comedic framework without high stakes.

Unlock the Full Story of Three on a Limb

Don't stop at just watching — explore Three on a Limb 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 Three on a Limb is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Three on a Limb Timeline

Track the full timeline of Three on a Limb with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Three on a Limb Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Three on a Limb

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Three on a Limb. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Three on a Limb

Three on a Limb Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Three on a Limb that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Three on a Limb Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Three on a Limb

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Three on a Limb: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Three on a Limb

Similar Movies to Three on a Limb

Discover movies like Three on a Limb that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.