My Life With Groucho: A Son's Eye View [Hardcover]

Arthur Marx (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1991

Groucho Marx, the fast talking wisecracking, cigar wielding third of the Marx Brothers is well known to us through films that have become classics of comedy. However, there was another Groucho behind the public image, and here his son Arthur shows us the warm and loving family man, the loyal friend, the unpredictable, inconsistent non-conformist who never lost his eye for a pretty girl.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The life of comedy legend Groucho Marx (1890-1977) is detailed in this flawed but sensitive biography. Material from the author's 1954 biography, Groucho , is incorporated; editing out the present-tense references to Groucho and his brothers--through much of the book it sounds as if they are still alive--would have eliminated some confusion. The last 50 or so pages, exhaustively describing the battle over conservatorship of the ailing star's estate, include an overzealous thrashing of Erin Fleming, Groucho's companion during his last seven years, whom the author describes as a gold digger who tried to alienate Groucho from his family and friends to gain control of his finances. Groucho is portrayed as an eccentric and inconsistent father who was at turns generous and tightfisted, loving and aloof. Abundant Groucho-esque quotes and anecdotes about Groucho's close but volatile relationship with his brothers provide insight into a complex personality. Photos.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Updating and adding 13 chapters to his 1954 biography, Life with Groucho ( LJ 12/15/54), the ad-lib master's son provides an abundance of amusing anecdotes and episodes from the full life of his unpredictable father. Fuel for a small fire is inherent in Arthur's contention that his anarchic uncles' switch from Paramount to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer for 1935's A Night at the Opera and subsequent films was salutary. Cineastes detect only structured lunacy under producer Thalberg and studio head Mayer. Profusely illustrated and necessary for the performing arts subsection labeled "Marx Bros."--or humor, vaudeville, Broadway, film, radio, and TV collections.
- Kim Holston, American Inst. for Property and Liability Underwriters, Malvern, Pa .
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Robson Book Ltd (June 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0860514943
• ISBN-13: 978-0860514947
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #987,572 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb insights into day-to-day life in Groucho's home, September 20, 1996

By A Customer

This review is from: My Life With Groucho: A Son's Eye View (Hardcover)

Arthur Marx has written a wonderful narrative of his life as the son of Groucho Marx. In this book, you will find out about Groucho's likes and dislikes... what drove his wives to divorce, and a great deal of "the real Groucho" from someone very close to him. What was most interesting to me was the sad ending to this comedic genius' life and how his estate was ultimately resolved. A wonderful insight into Groucho's personal life.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb insights into day-to-day life in Groucho's home, September 20, 1996

By A Customer

This review is from: My Life With Groucho: A Son's Eye View (Hardcover)

Arthur Marx has written a wonderful narrative of his life as the son of Groucho Marx. In this book, you will find out about Groucho's likes and dislikes... what drove his wives to divorce, and a great deal of "the real Groucho" from someone very close to him. What was most interesting to me was the sad ending to this comedic genius' life and how his estate was ultimately resolved. A wonderful insight into Groucho's personal life.