Released in 1935, Hoi Polloi is the 10th short of The Three Stooges. Two professors argue over whether heredity or environment dictates social behavior. The professor who claims the latter wagers $10,000 that he can take a common man, and in three months, make him a gentleman. They find the perfect subjects in three garbage men. Hilarity Ensues as the Stooges are taught to read, proper etiquette, and popular dances (to varying degrees of success). A party is held to show off the boy's progress, and while they mostly seem to hit it off with the guests, old habits die hard. As one professor claims victory, it seems the boys' habits have rubbed off on the guests, as they all begin to smack each other around. The boys try to make their escape, only to have bottles smashed over their heads.
The short was remade twice, first in 1947 with Half-Wits Holiday (which was the primary trio's last film together), and again in 1958 with Pies and Guys (with Joe Besser).
Tropes
- Grievous Bottley Harm: When Curly gets his coat, which accidentally pulls the dump lever on the truck, this exchange takes place:Curly (perplexed): What happened?! You're all canned up! Woo-boo-woo-boo-woob!(Moe picks up a bottle and throws it, which shatters on Curly's head, causing him to yell in pain!)Moe (angrily): Now you're all BOTTLED UP!!!
- Much later, the trio gets their top hats caved in by the two professors and a friend with champagne bottles.
- Hope Spot: During a table etiquette exercise, Curly waits until he finishes his pretend meal before pointing out it would be rude to respond with a mouth full of food. The professor is very pleased. Curly then picks his teeth with his fingers and then asks, gruffly, "Say, you ain't got a toothpick on ya, have ya, bud?"
- Nature Versus Nurture: The argument between the two professors that inspires the bet.
- Not So Above It All: The high class party guests by the end of the short.
- Pygmalion Plot: A non-romantic example; and of course it doesn't last.
- Screw This, I'm Outta Here: This is how the Stooges react at the end of short, after seeing all the high society guests engage in their kind of behavior.
- Sleep Cute: Non-romantic variant. The Stooges all share one bed, even though there are other beds available. They're also seeking out each other's hands in their sleep.
- Title Drop:Moe: "My dear fellows, this is our punishment for associating with the hoi polloi."
