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 ä arguably the most popular and long-lived screen comics ever produced by Hollywood.ÞDetailed 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 ä the Stooges reflected them all.ÞSeventy-five stills posters and other images ä many never before published in book form ä 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!
