This month sees the release of two biographies, one devoted to Shemp Howard of the Three Stooges, and the other to Zeppo Marx of the Marx Brothers. The casual observer may be forgiven if they are ...

Originally comprised of Moe Howard, Larry Fine, and Shemp Howard, the trio started as a vaudeville comedy act in the 1920s. In 1932, Shemp Howard departed from the group to pursue a solo career.