Moe Howard & Norman Maurer Signed "The Three Stooges" Original Vintage Contract (PSA)

"The Three Stooges" contract dates March 18th, 1958 and has been hand-signed by Moe Howard (D. 1975) and Norman Maurer (D. 1986, Producer).

Moe Howard (born Moses Harry Horwitz on June 19, 1897, in Brooklyn, New York) was the leader and one of the founding members of The Three Stooges, a legendary American comedy troupe known for their slapstick humor. The Three Stooges became iconic figures in comedy, entertaining audiences through short films, television shows, and feature films.

The Three Stooges originally consisted of Moe Howard, his brother Shemp Howard, and Larry Fine. The group underwent several lineup changes over the years, with Curly Howard (another of Moe's brothers) becoming the most famous third Stooge during the group's heyday. After Curly's health declined, Shemp rejoined the act, and later, Joe Besser and Joe DeRita took on the third Stooge role.

The Three Stooges were known for their physical comedy, characterized by eye pokes, face slaps, and other exaggerated, often violent, but humorous antics. Their humor was highly visual, relying on physical gags and quick timing. The Stooges produced nearly 200 short films for Columbia Pictures from 1934 to 1959, which became immensely popular and were later widely syndicated on television, introducing their comedy to new generations.

Moe Howard, with his distinctive bowl haircut and stern, bossy persona, often played the "straight man" in the trio, trying to maintain order amid the chaos caused by the other Stooges. His leadership and comedic timing were crucial to the group's success.

The Three Stooges left an indelible mark on the world of comedy, influencing countless comedians and entertainers who followed. Their slapstick style remains a hallmark of classic American humor, and their work continues to be enjoyed by fans worldwide. Moe Howard passed away on May 4, 1975, but his legacy, along with that of The Three Stooges, endures as one of the most beloved and enduring in the history of comedy.

Norman Maurer (born on May 13, 1926, in New York City, New York, and passed away on November 23, 1986) was an American comic book artist, writer, director, and producer, best known for his work with The Three Stooges. He was also the son-in-law of Moe Howard, the leader of the comedy trio.

Maurer began his career in the 1940s as a comic book artist, co-creating the superhero Daredevil (not to be confused with Marvel Comics' character) for Lev Gleason Publications. His early work in comics established him as a talented artist and storyteller.

Maurer's connection to The Three Stooges began when he married Moe Howard's daughter, Joan Howard. He later became deeply involved in the management and production of The Three Stooges' projects, contributing significantly to their legacy beyond the classic short films. Maurer produced, directed, and wrote several films featuring The Three Stooges, including The Three Stooges Meet Hercules (1962) and The Outlaws Is Coming (1965).

In addition to his work on The Three Stooges' films, Maurer also played a crucial role in bringing the Stooges to television. He produced the animated series The New 3 Stooges (1965), which featured animated segments along with live-action wraparounds by the Stooges themselves.

Norman Maurer's contributions helped preserve and expand the popularity of The Three Stooges, ensuring that their slapstick comedy continued to entertain new audiences. His work behind the scenes as a producer, director, and writer was instrumental in keeping the Stooges' brand alive during the 1960s and beyond.

The autograph(s) includes an official PSA/DNA hologram and matching LOA for authenticity purposes.

Authentication: PSA LOA

Due to the uniqueness of each item, please refer to the photos provided in this auction. We offer high resolution images of each item rather than a written description of condition.

This item is being shipped from the Pristine Auction warehouse.