Saved by the Belle is the 40th short subject starring American slapstick comedy team the Three Stooges. The trio made a total of 190 shorts for Columbia Pictures between 1934 and 1959. The Stooges are traveling salesmen in the South American country of Valeska. The lazy town is only slightly stirred awake by its frequent earthquakes, though there is a quiet revolution on the horizon. The Stooges are unsuccessfully trying to sell winter clothing in this tropical setting, and Joe, the owner of the hotel, is closing it down for the winter and asks the Stooges to pay their hotel bill. Moe was hoping to get an advance from the front office, and a letter arrives from the office stating that they will not give them anymore money until they "get rid of present wardrobe". This does not work in their favor, as Valeska has strict laws about not paying one's expenses, which is punishable by death. Springing into action, Moe leads the owner to their room and locks him before they run off. With nothing left to lose the Stooges start selling their Earthquake Shock Absorbers and doing rather well until they end up arrested for selling wares on the street without a license.