“Brideless Groom” is so funny from the very opening scene, which sets the tone for the entire episode. Shemp, with the help of Larry and Moe, tries desperately to spurn the advances of a homely student with a crush while finding a desirable bride to help him collect an inheritance from a deceased relative.
It’s worth noting that there are technically two versions of this short. In the first, more widely circulated version, the plot plays straight, as Shemp is indeed set to inherit a sizeable fortune.
However, an alternate version called “Husbands Beware” sees the entire thing as a cruel prank by Larry and Moe, who resent him for remaining a playboy while indirectly tying them down to less-than-desirable wives.
