One of the more noticeable aspects of Volume Four is that plots are paper thin. Granted, plot was never that important in the Stooges' schtick, but it is clear that most of the attention was placed on the slapstick elements. Most of the shorts could easily be described as living cartoons; at times you almost expect anvils to fall out of clear sky. The lack of plot really hurts a number of the shorts, making this the weakest set of the bunch. A few, like "Three Pests in a Mess," also suffer from really low production values. One or two even reuse footage for previous shorts.
Many of the early shorts cover the rest of the War years, and while there's no return to Moronica, there are plenty of Nazis and a few Japanese soldiers. In "The Stooge to Conga," the guys stumble upon a group of Nazi spies while fixing a house, while in "No Dough Boys" the Stooges are mistaken for Japanese spies, leading them to uncover another Nazi hideout. Eat your heart out Jack Bauer.
As if a lack of quality shorts wasn't enough, it becomes painfully obvious in the last few shorts that Curley's health is in decline. Hints show up in nearly every short filmed after 1943, though it is really noticeable in "Booby Dupes" and "Idiots Deluxe." But, you have to give credit where it is due since he still gives it his all.
Volume Four's highlight is, without question, "Micro Phonies." Curly is mistaken for an opera singer and the guys get wrapped up with a socialite. This is the last short featuring the classic team of Moe, Larry and Curly and the guys go out with a bang. Unlike the rest of the volume, the story is great and everything snaps right into place.
The Three Stooges Collection: Volume Four is the weakest entry in the set so far, but it does have a few bright spots. However, unlike the last two volumes, it is hard to really recommend this for anyone other than Stooges fans, or anyone trying to collect the set.
