The Marx Brothers: A Bio-Bibliography (Popular Culture Bio-Bibliographies) [Hardcover]

Wes D. Gehring (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0313245479 | ISBN-13: 978-0313245473 | Publication Date: July 28, 1987 | Edition: First Edition

This bio-bibliography was designed to present a combined biographical, critical, and bibliographical portrait of the Marx Brothers. It examines their significance in film comedy in particular, and as popular culture figures in general. The book is divided into five sections, beginning with a biography which explores the public and private sides of the Marx Brothers. The second section is concerned with the influences of the Marx Brothers as icons of anti-establishment comedy, as contributors to developments in American comedy, as early examples of "saturation comedy," and as a crucial link between silent films and the "talkies". Three original articles, two by Groucho and one by Gummo, comprise part three. A bibliographical essay, which assesses key reference materials and research collections, is followed by two bibliographical checklists. Appendices containing a chronological biography with a timeline, a filmography, and a selected discography complete the work.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Professor Gehring has written a valuable compact handbook on the greatest comedy team in the history of the cinema. The reputation of the Marx Brothers has perhaps slipped a little recently. Woody Allen has taken over part of their role and has produced a more sophosticated New York Jewish humour. But each generation of adolescent film buffs will discover for themselves the unique joys of Grouch, Harpo and Chico let loose on the screen. This volume is a good start for any scholar attempting to analyse their achievement. A hundred pages of biography is followed by a short summary of their influence on film comedy, three extracts from their own writings, a comprehensive bibliography and further reference information. No Marx Brothers fan who is crazy enough to want to find out how his heroes put their act together should be without this work”–Historical Journal of Film, Radio and Television

“Well-researched and informative, this volume brings new light on the comedians' contribution to screen art.”–The Bookshelf

About the Author

WES D. GEHRING is Associate Professor of Film at Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 277 pages
• Publisher: Greenwood Press; First Edition edition (July 28, 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0313245479
• ISBN-13: 978-0313245473
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.3 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,436,927 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Be the first Marx Brothers expert on your block!, December 14, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Marx Brothers: A Bio-Bibliography (Popular Culture Bio-Bibliographies) (Hardcover)

Make a snack, sit down in your favorite chair and get ready for all there is to know about the Marx Brothers. This book is a reference guide to dates, names, films and darn near anything else that occurred in the life of this amazing team. It is chock full of interesting stories, fascinating facts and just plain silly stuff that kept me captivated the whole way through. Its one drawback was that it is picture free. It is pure reference material. For the true fan or just for the person who would like to know everything about them without starting a library this one is for you. If the price is the only thing holding you back be reassured...it is worth every penny and more!