1939 film by Del Lord
A Ducking They Did Go is a 1939 short subject directed by Del Lord starring American slapstick comedy team The Three Stooges (Moe Howard, Larry Fine and Curly Howard). It is the 38th entry in the series released by Columbia Pictures starring the comedians, who released 190 shorts for the studio between 1934 and 1959.
Plot
The Stooges find themselves entangled in a series of misadventures while seeking gainful employment. Their initial attempt to pilfer a watermelon inadvertently lands them in trouble with law enforcement, setting the stage for their subsequent involvement with the Canvas Back Duck Club, an ostensibly legitimate hunting organization led by scheming individuals Blackie and Doyle.
Unbeknownst to the Stooges, their recruitment as salesmen for the club is part of an elaborate scam orchestrated by the aforementioned conmen. Clad in duck-hunting attire, the trio embarks on a misguided venture to sell memberships, unwittingly ensnaring unsuspecting individuals, including the police chief and the mayor, in their scheme.
Upon arriving at the club's lodge, the Stooges discover the ruse perpetrated by Blackie and Doyle, as the purported hunting grounds are devoid of any wild ducks. Faced with mounting pressure to deliver results, Moe and Larry resort to desperate measures, hurling decoy ducks into the pond in a frantic attempt to salvage the situation. However, chaos ensues when Curly, embodying the role of a modern-day Pied Piper, leads a flock of domestic ducks to the scene. The unexpected arrival of the old man, accompanied by the local sheriff, further exacerbates the situation, as they accuse Curly of pilfering prize domestic ducks, demanding restitution from the Stooges and their unsuspecting clientele.
Realizing they have fallen victim to a swindle, the hunters, accompanied by the irate old man and sheriff, unleash their fury upon the Stooges, prompting a frenzied escape from the scene.
Production notes
Filmed on November 15–18, 1938,[2] the title A Ducking They Did Go is a play on the old children's song "A-Hunting We Will Go."[1]
The closing shot of the Stooges leaping over a bush and landing on a trio of bucking steers was reused from the end of 1936's A Pain in the Pullman.[1]
