The Marx Brothers Scrapbook [Paperback]

Groucho Marx (Author), Richard J. Anobile (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Harpercollins; 1St Edition edition (October 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060972653
• ISBN-13: 978-0060972653
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #656,928 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Read what Groucho sued to stop publication of, September 14, 2001

By 

C.H. (Beach Park, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Marx Brothers Scrapbook (Paperback)

In his second book on the Marx Brothers (the first being 1971's "Why A Duck?") Richard J. Anobile conducted lengthy interviews with Groucho, Gummo, Zeppo, Harpo's widow Susan, and Jack Benny, among others. Most of the book is Groucho speaking, and his recollections are fascinating and brutally honest. Frequently the eighty-two-year old comedy giant lashes out at the twenty-six-year old Anobile: "Fifty years ago! How the hell am I supposed to remember what I did fifty years ago?" Gummo is pleasant and cooperative, more so than Zeppo, who was no doubt squirming about that card game that was getting away. Susan Marx is blunt about Groucho's caustic tongue and Chico's gambling. Groucho's four-letter words, which are in abundance, found their way into the final print and Groucho sued for $15,000,000.00 to stop publication. This was settled in Anobile's favor as Groucho signed all the releases. Steve Stoliar, a college student who worked for Groucho and helped get "Animal Crackers" re-released, says he doesn't doubt Groucho used that language, but never thought that Anobile would include it. Son Arthur Marx attributed it to his father's advanced age. This can't be recommended enough for Marx Brothers fans; it's a treasure trove of information, tidbits, and gossip.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Marx Bros. Scrapbook, November 17, 2001

By 

Brother Frank (Melissa, Tx. United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Marx Brothers Scrapbook (Paperback)

A great Marx Brothers book. The extensive interviews make this book great. It is loaded with interviews, not only with Groucho but Zeppo, Morrie Ryskind, Robert Florey, Harry Ruby and others. Richard Anobile spent quite a bit of time with Groucho in the mid-1970's. Many great pictures are also included. The only negative is Groucho's use of four-letter words. For accuracies sake I suppose they should have been included. However, I could have lived with a few "****" s instead of......well I can't type that here.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Marx Maddness!, May 30, 2000

By 

Cody Carlson (Salt Lake City, UT United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Marx Brothers Scrapbook (Paperback)

The Marx Brothers were arguably the greatest comic act of the century and 'The Marx Brothers Scrapbook' brings the heart and soul of the great performers to life. With engaging interviews, hirlarous anecdotes, and moving glimpses into the brother's lives, this book is a must for any die-hard Marx fan. Especially remarkable is the look author Anibole gives us of Groucho in his latter years. Fantastic!