The Three Stooges remains a pop culture phenomenon after 100 years. While that staying power in the zeitgeist alone may tell the story of a grand career and much success, that isn’t exactly the case.

The news that the ketubah, or Jewish marriage contract, for Moe Howard from the Three Stooges has sold at auction for a hefty sum might provoke some reconsideration about the slapstick comedians’ ...