Production Information
Studio: Columbia
Short Number: 112
Release Date: December 9, 1948
Running Time: 17:33
“You know Porcupine, for a guy without brains you’re a genius.”
(Moe, to Larry)
Short Take
In Crime On Their Hands, The Stooges are janitors at the Daily Gazette who get a hot tip about the stolen Punjab diamond. Hoping to become real reporters, the boys hurry to where Dapper and his gang are hiding. While questioning Dapper’s beautiful moll, Shemp accidentally swallows the diamond thinking it was a mint. Unfortunately, a caged gorilla in the next room gets into the act as well.
Cast & Crew
| Directed by | Edward Bernds |
|---|---|
| Produced by | Hugh McCollum |
| Written by | Elwood Ullman |
| Starring | Moe Howard Larry Fine Shemp Howard Kenneth MacDonald Christine McIntyre Charles C. Wilson Cy Schindell |
| Cinematography | Henry Freulich |
| Edited by | Henry DeMond |
Trivia
- Crime on Their Hands marked the final appearance of longtime Stooge supporting actor Cy Schindell. Drafted into the Marines during World War II, Schindell developed a severe case of jungle rot while on Guadalcanal, which eventually developed into terminal cancer. Knowing he was dying, Schindell worked constantly during his illness to assure his family would be financially secure after his death. Excessive makeup was used during the filming of Crime on Their Hands to mask Schindell’s cancer-ridden face.
Production Notes
The title Crime on Their Hands is a parody of the expression “time on their hands.” The press room scene was recycled in 1956’s Commotion on the Ocean, while the remaining portion of Crime on Their Hands was utilized in 1955’s Hot Ice. It is a partial remake of the 1942 Andy Clyde short All Work and No Pay.