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How High Is Up?

How High Is Up? (1940)

Jul 26, 1940 17m Comedy

The stooges are the 'Minute Menders', three tinkers who live under their car. The boys decide to drum up some business by punching holes in the unattended lunch boxes of some workmen. When they're caught in the act, they escape and accidentally get hired as riveters on a new building, working on the 97th floor. Their ineptitude and lousy workmanship screw up construction of the building and they must parachute off the building to escape the wrath of the boss.

Directed by Del Lord

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Del Lord
Writer
  • Elwood Ullman
Producer
  • Hugh McCollum
  • Del Lord

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Thematic Analysis

How High Is Up? represents a fascinating example of Comedy cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Director Del Lord brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1940, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of How High Is Up? took approximately 15 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 17 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 45 minutes long.
  • The film contains approximately 1941 individual shots.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 9 months to complete.

Historical Context

  • In 1940, when this film was released:
  • Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
  • The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

While How High Is Up? shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Three Stooges: Greatest Routines, which focuses more on action than character development, How High Is Up? subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Hello Pop and The Three Stooges Meet Hercules explore similar territory, How High Is Up? stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: July 26, 1940
  • Runtime: 17m