The movies of The Marx Brothers are classics in the sense that much of their humor still plays well today. Except for some exceptions. The movies have many references to the current events and people of the 1930's and 1940's, some of them rather obscure to modern ears. The author of this book has created a guide to these references and their meanings.
For any Marx Brothers fan, this book will be most welcome. The brother's movies bear repeated viewing, for there is something the viewer may not have noticed before. There are a lot of things going on and especially with Groucho (and to a lesser extent Chico) a lot of things being said, with some of the choicest tidbits being an aside (often an adlib) to other action going on. And now withthis book, those off tghe cuff remarks can be deciphered, and adds more enjoyment to the movies.
It is plain that the author (who is English) is a devoted Marx Brothers fan. He writes very well and with humor, and some of his descriptions and explanations of American in-jokes and phenomena for the unknowing British audience are very good. Americans take it for granted that people know our culture and slang.
Exccellent book, recommended for the die-hard Marx Brothers fan as well as those who are interested in the history of early talking films and films of the 1940's.
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