The Last Laugh
Among Cohn’s other scare tactics to keep the Stooges in line was denying exhibitors from showing the trio’s performances unless they also agreed to showcase some of the studio’s lesser-quality B films. The trio’s contracts with the studio “included an open option” with a yearly renewal which Cohn would always do at the last minute. Intending to keep the Stooges from reaching their highest comedic potential, he would constantly remind them that “the market for comedy shorts is dying out, fellas.”