I Stooged To Conquer

The comedian recalls his life and career as the leader of the popular slapstick team in vaudeville, movies, and television.

"A narrative and photographic account of the career of the popular slapstick team in vaudeville, movies, and television"--Amazon.

What was it about this unassuming and funny little guy that led five generations of fans to sidesplitting and mindless mirth? Morris "Moe" Feinberg, Larry's younger brother, sifts through 80 years of rich memories and tells true stories about Larry -- his youth and family, and his career, including the origin of the famous "poke in the eye" routine. This is the biography of Larry, always and forever, the Stooge in the middle

(Applause Books). This entertaining and informative study of the Three Stooges focuses on the nearly 190 two-reel short comedies the boys made at Columbia Pictures during the years 1934-59. Violent slapstick? Of course, but these comic gems are also peerlessly crafted and enthusiastically played by vaudeville veterans Moe, Larry, Curly, Shemp, and Joe arguably the most popular and long-lived screen comics ever produced by Hollywood. Detailed production and critical coverage is provided for every short, plus information about each film's place in the Stooges' careers, in Hollywood genre filmmaking, and in the larger fabric of American culture. From Depression-era concerns to class warfare to World War II to the cold war to rock-and-roll the Stooges reflected them all. Seventy-five stills, posters, and other images many never before published in book form bring colorful screen moments to life and help illuminate the special appeal of key shorts. Exclusive sections include a Stooges biographical and career timeline; a useful, colorful history of the structure and behind-the-camera personnel of the Columbia two-reel unit; and personality sidebars about more than 30 popular players who worked frequently with the Stooges. Also included is a filmography that covers all 190 shorts, plus a bibliography, making this the ultimate guide for all Three Stooges fans!

In the world of slapstick comedy, few are more beloved than the Three Stooges. Throughout their 190 short films, they consistently delivered physical, verbal and situational comedy in new and creative ways. Following the trio from outer space to ancient Rome, this volume provides an in-depth look at their comedy and its impact on twentieth century art, culture and thought. This analysis reveals new insights into the language, literary structure, politics, race, gender, ethnicity and even psychology of the classic shorts. It discusses the elements of surrealism within the Stooges films, exploring the many ways in which they created their own reality regardless of time and space. The portrayal of women and minorities and the role of the mistake in Stooges' works are also addressed. Moreover, the book examines the impact that the Columbia Studios style and the austerity of its Short Subjects Department had on the work of the Three Stooges, films that ironically have outlasted more costly and celebrated productions.

Presents a biography of Larry Fine, one of the Three Stooges, collected from his memoirs, and includes interviews, personal notes, clippings, and more.

While the Three Stooges were the longest active and most productive comedy team in Hollywood, their artistic height coincided with the years Curly was with them, from 1932 to 1946. Famous for his high-pitched voice, his “nyuk-nyuk-nyuk” and “why, soitenly,” and his astonishing athleticism, Curly was a true natural, an untrained actor with a knack for improvisation. Yet for decades, little information about him was available. Then, in 1985, Joan Howard Maurer, the daughter of Moe Howard and the niece of Curly and Shemp, published this definitive biography. In addition to speaking at length with his relatives, friends, and colleagues, she amassed a wealth of Curly memorabilia, a mixture of written material and rare photographs of Curly’s family, films, and personal life. In Curly, she put it all together to come up with the first and only in-depth look at this crazy comedic genius. She included plenty of intimate details about his astonishing relationship with his mother, his three marriages, and his interactions with his daughters and friends. The result was a well-rounded portrait of the most unpredictable—and most popular—Stooge. Joan Howard Maurer is the daughter of Moe Howard, the leader of the Three Stooges. Her books include The Three Stooges Scrapbook (with Jeff and Greg Lenburg) and The Three Stooges Book of Scripts. Michael Jackson, now recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time, often spoke of his love for the Three Stooges.

Vernon Dent. You may not know the name, but you've seen him in countless Three Stooges comedies, usually playing the gruff authority figure. After years of working in the shadows of Moe, Larry, Curly (and Shemp), as well as the great silent film comedian Harry Langdon, Vernon Dent is finally receiving the attention he deserves with this outstanding biography. Written by Bill Cassara (Edgar Kennedy: Master of the Slow Burn), Vernon Dent: Stooge Heavy contains never-before-seen photographs and a massive filmography. Vernon's story is told with the respect it deserves; it is funny, touching, and true. Once read, you'll never forget his name again.