SHEMP HOWARD BY GEOFF DALE
Marking the 100th anniversary since entertainment megastar of-the-day Ted Healy began assembling what would become the world famous Three Stooges, a just released book focuses on Shemp Howard for the first time.
Entitled Much More Than A Stooge Shemp Howard, the BearManor Media work authored by veteran Canadian journalist Geoff Dale, details the talents of Moe and Curly’s older brother as a uniquely diverse physical and adlibbing comedic actor.
Born Samuel Horwitz March 11, 1895 and recognized by many as the family’s natural comedian, the 396-page book follows his career as Healy’s most sought-after Stooge, through his years as Moe and Larry Fine’s colleague, a solo career of 105 films to his untimely passing in 1955.
While Shemp was respected by numerous contemporaries of his like Bud Abbott – Lou Costello’s right-hand man considered to be the greatest straight man of a comedy duo – he is still greatly admired by stars of today.
In the chapter Stars Love Shemp, interviews with famous personalities including Shemp fan Penn Jillette of Penn & Teller, comedic legend Shecky Greene, the brilliant Gilbert Gottfried, talk-show giant Dick Cavett, quick-witted star Paula Poundstone and prolific actor/stand-up comedian Robert Klein reveal why Shemp is admired more than 120 years after his passing.
Also striking a chord with academics, the book spotlights his 105-film solo career where he appeared on the big screen with John Wayne, James Stewart (his debut in a Shemp short), Abbott & Costello, W.C. Fields, Martha Raye, Marlene Dietrich, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley and more.
A serious look at Shemp with peeks at his personal life with wife Babe and son Mort, the work also features wonderful photos, the marvellous Drew Friedman’s (AKA The Shemp Artist) illustrations in addition to original artwork from Tristan Yonce and Darin McGowan.
So, now’s the time for more than a cursory glance at the book so many long-time and new Stooge fans are chatting about – Much More Than A Stooge Shemp Howard.
It’s available through BearManor Media, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, soon through Shop Knuckleheads and other outlets just waiting to be taken home as a Yuletide gift and/or stocking stuffer.
GEOFF DALE
An Appreciation of the original member of the world-famous Three Stooges.
