- Paperback: 471 pages
- Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books (Sep 2001)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0312283822
- ISBN-13: 978-0312283827
- Product Dimensions: 21 x 14 x 3.2 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 2,726,280 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Amazon.co.uk Review
There is no chapter 13 in this book. There are, however, 35 others sections, each meticulously detailed; plus a Marx Bros. family tree, personal chronology, a bibliography (with separate notes on sources used), a comprehensive filmography useful for Kevin Bacon factor games, and an all-important comedy appendix about an optometrist from Jakarta who is often mistaken for a certain man named Groucho.
To say Monkey Business, the latest instalment in the superb Faber and Faber film series is well researched is to make a spectacular understatement. Author Simon Louvish's study is almost academic in its approach; indeed, his ability to weigh up conflicting accounts of Marx Brothers' history (particularly their childhood years, which until now have been perhaps sluggishly chronicled) is admirable. Correcting even the brothers' own autobiographies at times, the author leaves the reader with the impression that no stone has been left unturned in the quest to find the truth.
The danger, of course, is that many an academic study fails to capture the spirit of a comedy act such as this. Louvish's obvious love of his subject, however, is the perfect antidote, allowing quotes and jokes from the brothers themselves to creep into the text, lightening the mood where necessary, and illustrating many a point better than any description could manage. Included also are several key Marx brothers script extracts, particularly from early film outings and theatre scripts, which will no doubt allow real Marx aficionados to trace the evolution of their favourite sketches.
Here is the full story of the Marx family; including for the first time a biography of Zeppo; the last-but-one son who bowed out of showbiz because of a stutter. Uncle Al also makes an appearance, and Louvish explains the incalculable help his stage experience and play writing had on the style of the fledgling foursome.
In later years, fame in pantomime personas allowed The Marx Brothers a certain freedom outwith their characters, and Louvish eagerly retells tales of Harpo's acceptance into intellectual cafe society, and the brothers' brushes with the FBI. This is a matter-of-fact tale, told with neither an over-rosy view of these cinematic heroes nor an agenda to shock. One for fans and film buffs alike. --Helen Lamont --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.
Product Description
This is the first full and properly researched biography of all five Marx Brothers - Chico, Harpo, Groucho, Gummo and Zeppo. It features the first authentic account of their origins, of the roots of their comedy, and their twenty-four years on the stage prior to the shooting of their first movie, The Cocoanuts, in 1929. Never-before-published scripts, well-minted Marxian dialogue, and much madness and mayhem feature in this tale of the Brothers' battles with Hollywood, their loves and marriages, and the story of the forgotten brother Gummo, who never appeared on screen. Spicing up the anarchic brew are accounts of Salvador Dali's 'missing' script for Harpo, the true identity of the long-suffering Margaret Dumont, and the FBI's verdict on Groucho's particular brand of Marxism.
--This text refers to an alternate
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This is the first time that someone has done a fully researched history of the Marx Brothers. But don't be put off by it's scholarly intentions! By turns witty, informative and (to Marxophiles) often amazing in its revelations Louvish presents us with a gripping true story which captures the fascinating worlds of early vaudeville, '20s Broadway and Hollywood in its golden age. Anyone wanting to know how and why the Marx legend survives or anyone wanting a great saga to get their teeth into should grab this book immediately.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I am finding the going pretty hard, the book starts slowly and seems to include a little too much information. There are obvious highlights, I am just hoping the pace picks up sometime soon.
8 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
THIS IS EXCELLENT! IT SHOWS THE SHEER BRILLIANCE OF THE MARX BROTHERS, FOCASING MAINLY ON GROUCHO -DESERVEDLY - BUT CERTAINLY NOT IGNORING THE OTHER GREAT BROTHERS. I THOROUGHLY RECOMMEND THIS FOR AN ENTERTAINING AND HONEST ACCOUNT OF THIER UNIQUE CHARACTEURS, COMEDY AND LIVES.
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