'The Three Stooges' film trio was originally composed of Moe Howard, brother Curly Howard and Larry Fine. They first started as 'Ted Healy and his Stooges' which contained Moe, Larry and Shemp. In films, the Stooges were commonly known by their first names: 'Moe, Larry, and Curly' and 'Moe, Larry, and Shemp,' among other lineups. Their hallmark was physical farce and extreme slapstick. The Three Stooges were an American vaudeville and comedy act of the early to mid–20th century best known for their numerous short subject films.