Vintage Yuks

When the cable network Family Channel stopped carrying vintage Three Stooges shorts recently, viewers as young as 8 wrote letters threatening to boycott the network until showings resumed.

Why such a fuss about a comedy team that hasn’t filmed anything since its 25-year career ended in 1959? Why, in 1998, would a kid want to watch black-and-white film shorts from their grandparents’ era, starring three comedians with atrocious haircuts and even more atrocious manners?

This weekend author Robert Kurson, a speaker at the “First Annual Three Stooges West Coast Convention” in Burbank, may venture an explanation, based on his new book, “The Official Three Stooges Encyclopedia.”

Kurson’s theory is that “Kids grow up in a universe that showers rules down on them. That’s stressful. Kids need a cathartic release. Watching Moe, Larry and Curly provided immediate catharsis.”

According to Kurson, a former lawyer and now a Chicago Sun-Times writer, “There are many authority figures [kids] would like to throw a cream pie at. And the flip side of this is that it’s not appropriate for a kid, when he’s really happy, to lie down on the floor and spin and shout woo-woo-woo like a dog.”

Kurson admits to being a major fan. “I’ve been in love with the Stooges since I was 5,” he said. “They act out every kid’s first instinct.”

The convention has been sanctioned by all six living heirs, who will be present for various events. There will also be pie-throwing contests, pie-eating contests, Stooge look-alike and impersonation contests, instruction in Stooge-style stunts and a chance to appear with the Stooges, thanks to digital video imaging.

Stooge memorabilia will be on sale by 30 exhibitors, including a booth operated by the Knuckleheads store, which operates year-round in the Glendale Galleria.

An additional recommendation for movie-struck kids this weekend is Anifest ‘98, a festival of animation art and technique at Burbank’s Media City Shopping Center. Dozens of professional movie and TV animators will be on hand Saturday and Sunday, giving demonstrations of their work.

A special event Sunday requires advance registration and a $35 enrollment fee. “Make Your Own Animated Film With Royer Studios” will enable small groups of novice animators, 12 and older, to collaborate on a film, and participants will each receive a copy.

BE THERE

“First Annual Three Stooges West Coast Convention,” Friday, 2-7 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Hilton Burbank Airport Convention Center, 2500 Hollywood Way, Burbank. Single-day admission is 12.50 for kids 6-12, $25 for adults. Kids 5 and under free. (888) 878-6643.

Also, on Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., “Make Your Own Animated Film” workshop. Preregistration required. $35. Media City Center, 201 E. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank. Part of Anifest ‘98, Saturday-Sunday. Free general admission. (818) 566-8617.