In a narrative framed as a retrospective recounted to their son, the Stooges disclose the origins of their unexpected fatherhood. As proprietors of a pawn shop burdened by debts to the Gashouse Protection Society, a syndicate of loan sharks, the Stooges find themselves embroiled in a series of misadventures.
Their troubles escalate when a woman, in collusion with the loan sharks, leaves an infant in their care as part of a ruse to peddle a counterfeit diamond. Obliged to care for the child, the Stooges grapple with their newfound paternal responsibilities, navigating inept attempts to pacify the crying baby, which inadvertently lead to further chaos.
Amidst their comedic struggles, the trio confronts the loan sharks' demands for repayment, culminating in a showdown where they emerge victorious over the criminals. As the tale concludes, the child, now aware of his true origins, seeks out his biological mother, leaving the Stooges to reflect on the chaotic circumstances that led to their unintended parenthood. Moe and Curly, attributing blame to Larry for the ordeal, conspire to enact retribution upon their hapless compatriot.
Three Loan Wolves was filmed February 27-March 2, 1946,[1] near the end of Curly Howard's career. The 42-year-old comedian had suffered a series of minor strokes several months prior to filming, and his performances had been unpredictable. By the time of Three Loan Wolves, he had lost a considerable amount of weight, and lines had creased his face. Larry Fine and Moe Howard look stocky by comparison.
While director Edward Bernds devised ways to cover Curly's illness, Jules White simply gave most of Curly's lines to Larry. With Three Loan Wolves, White made Larry the main character (his first time in the spotlight since the Stooges' inaugural short for Columbia Pictures in 1934, Woman Haters), with nearly the entire film revolving around him. Curly also tried desperately to maintain his falsetto voice, but was clearly unable to.[2]
Beverly Warren appeared at a 2003 Three Stooges convention in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, and reported that Curly's illness was not discussed on the set. She added that filming was completed at such a rapid pace, she rarely saw Curly or Moe (as she only shared screen time with Larry).[3]
