The Outlaws Is Coming

1965 film by Norman Maurer

The Outlaws Is Coming (stylized as The Outlaws IS Coming!) is the sixth and final theatrical comedy starring The Three Stooges after their 1959 resurgence in popularity. By this time, the trio consisted of Moe Howard, Larry Fine, and Joe DeRita (dubbed "Curly Joe"). Like its predecessor, The Three Stooges Go Around the World in a Daze, the film was co written, produced and directed by Moe's son in law, Norman Maurer. The supporting cast features Adam West, Nancy Kovack, and Emil Sitka, the latter in three roles.

In the year 1871, in the frontier town of Casper, Wyoming, a nefarious individual named Rance Roden devises a scheme to eradicate the buffalo population, thereby inciting unrest among the Native American population. His ulterior motive is to eliminate the U. S. Cavalry, his true adversary, allowing him and his cohorts to seize control of the Western territories. Simultaneously, the editorial board of a Boston magazine learns of the buffalo massacre and dispatches assistant editor Kenneth Cabot to Casper to investigate the matter. Coincidentally, Cabot learns of his new assignment while Moe, Larry, and Curly Joe visit his photographic studio to capture an image of his pet skunk. Upon arriving in Casper, Cabot's adept marksmanship, clandestinely aided by the sharpshooter Annie Oakley, earns him the position of town sheriff. Unbeknownst to Rance, his plan to eliminate Cabot is thwarted when the Stooges surreptitiously infiltrate his gang's hideout and immobilize their firearms. Confronted by Cabot, the gang members opt to embrace the path of justice over lawlessness. Meanwhile, Rance and his associate Trigger endeavor to arm the Native American population, including the provision of an armored wagon equipped with a Gatling Gun and cannon. However, their scheme is foiled by the Stooges, who capture photographic evidence of the illicit arms sale. In addition to his acts of valor, Cabot demonstrates his mettle in various other endeavors, ultimately culminating in his union with Annie Oakley, cementing their shared commitment to justice and righteousness.