Hi Andrea,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

Although millions know the Stooges from Columbia Pictures shorts, they were also an immensely popular live vaudeville attraction. This playbill documents one of those appearances, reminding us that audiences could see them on stage performing comedy routines between musical acts and films—not just on the movie screen. Such surviving programs are far scarcer than movie posters or lobby cards.

Young's Million Dollar Pier was one of Atlantic City's most famous entertainment destinations. Built by Captain John L. Young, it competed with the legendary Steel Pier and offered a full day of attractions: nationally known orchestras, comedians, movies, dancing, bathing facilities, restaurants, and novelty attractions.

The phrase "Million Dollar Pier" itself reflected the extraordinary investment made to create one of America's premier seaside amusement venues.

Rather than advertising a single performer, the bill combines several forms of entertainment; that mix reflects how entertainment venues operated in the 1930s. Patrons often spent an entire afternoon or evening moving between live music, comedy, dancing, films, and the beach.

At the height of Atlantic City's tourist season, August 21, 1937 fell during what most fans and historians consider the golden age of the Three Stooges. It documents the Stooges while they were actively producing the films that made them famous, not years later during a nostalgia tour.

From a collector's perspective, pre-war Three Stooges material is generally more desirable than post-war material because it comes from the original Curly lineup at the height of its creative output.

I've not been able to find an exact match to another playbill or advertisement from the same show/lineup but Heritage Auctions, Nate Sanders Auctions and Bonhams have, in their entertainment memorabilia sales, sold *similar* pieces for prices ranging from $300 to $800. This fair market value may be less than the retail price you paid if you acquired this from a dealer or gallery.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

A vintage Atlantic City cardstock advertisement
Headlining the Original Three Stooges as well as Hudson-DeLange Orchestra, films, and other live acts.
dated August 21, 1937
5-1/2 by 3-1/2 inches
CONDITION: with minor wear
PROVENANCE: Acquired from a gallery or dealer
$300-800*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia