Samuel Horwitz was born on this date, March 17, 1895. He is best remembered for his roll in one of the greatest franchises ever from 1947 until his death, November 23, 1955. Mr. Horwitz was hired by his younger brother to replace a younger brother in one of the most successful entertainment franchises in history. Samuel was a gifted performer whose comedic talent was substantial, yet he never received the audience adulation commanded by the brother he replaced.
The brother who hired him was Moses Horwitz, two years younger. The brother he replaced was Lester Horwitz, eight years younger. The two Horwitz brothers, Moses and Lester then Moses and Samuel were joined by Louis Fienberg, who, among other things, was a violin playing virtuoso.
From their start as a unit in the 1930's through the 1950's, this trio was one of show businesses most successful enterprises whose performances are treasured still today.
So who is Samuel Horwitz? None other than Shemp Howard of the Three Stooges. His brother who hired him was Moe Howard and the youngest brother he replaced was Curly Howard. The talented violin player, of course, was Larry Fine. Ladies and gentlemen, the Three Stooges!!!
How refreshing an experience is watching an old "Three Stooges" short. Their humor was anything but politically correct where any subject was fair game, yet their humor avoided this vicious personal attacks and vulgarity of so much of today's comic fare. Somehow, today's comedy just misses the mark by gravitating to one of two opposite polls, the politically correct gibber gabber of some circles or the in-your-face, mean spirited vulgarity of others. Nothing beats some gold old unrestrained "slapstick."
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