book data
209 ratings,
4.11
average rating, 35 reviews
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published
January 1991
by AMS Press
(first published 1959)
details
Hardcover
isbn
0404199380
(isbn13: 9780404199388)
description
With impeccable timing, outrageous humor, irreverent wit, and a superb sense of the ridiculous, Groucho tells the saga of the Marx Brothers: the pove…more
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 320)
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avg 4.11
editions: all | this edition
editions: all | this edition
I treasure this book. The witticisms actually pour out of this book faster than the reader can savor them. Groucho Marx pens this memoir as only Groucho can, with the same insults and wisecracks that marked his uniquely superior brand of comedy for decades. For example, near the beginning of the book is this nugget of wisdom: "Age is not a particularly interesting subject. Anyone can get old. All you have to do is live long enough."
You can actually hear his voice ringi...more
You can actually hear his voice ringi...more
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Read in January, 2003
The best autobiography ever. I agree completely with what Mrs. Calabash says on the blurbs. I wish more people would write their autobiographies this way and enough of the oh-so-serious tones. Let's have no more of the endless boasts about illustrious ancestors and goody-goody anecdotes.
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Read in March, 1996
recommends it for:
comedy fans
Groucho's pretty amusing. He makes me grin abut he doesn't really make me laugh.
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{This was to be intended to be a collective review of The Groucho Letters, Groucho and Me and Memoirs of a Mangy Lover collectively, but apparently I can't pull up more than one book in a thread. Why what appears to be the cover of an Agatha Christie biography appears in the window where Groucho's dust jacket should, I have no idea, I don't even think they have much in common}
Down below (ratatatatata)
Down Below(ratatatatata)
Sat the devil talking to his son
Who ...more
Down below (ratatatatata)
Down Below(ratatatatata)
Sat the devil talking to his son
Who ...more
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If, like me, you only need to look at Groucho Marx's face to crumble into hysterical laughter, then you will love this book.
The anecdotes contained within are hilarious, like his fathers unsuccessful career choice as an umbrella mender, (proceeding to fix a grand total of 0 umbrellas during his employment), and sneaking into the offices of the boss of MGM, stripping naked and waiting for him sat in front of the log fire roasting marshmallows. brilliant stuff!
The anecdotes contained within are hilarious, like his fathers unsuccessful career choice as an umbrella mender, (proceeding to fix a grand total of 0 umbrellas during his employment), and sneaking into the offices of the boss of MGM, stripping naked and waiting for him sat in front of the log fire roasting marshmallows. brilliant stuff!
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Read in January, 2010
What could be funnier than Groucho Marx? Nothing perhaps, except his autobiography! Groucho Marx, as his real-life alter ego Julius Marx, tells the crazy story of his life with typical Groucho flair: the story of his brothers, his loves, and the secret to his success. There is not a serious word in his book; as Groucho himself said, "From the moment I picked [a:] book up until I laid it down, I was convulsed with laughter. Someday I intend on reading it."
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A light weight autobiography, that is entertaining, has the occasional sweet moment, and the occasional interesting moment when Groucho talks about some of his personal weak spots and mistakes.
Interesting look at vaudville, early Hollywood and the Marx Brothers.
Not a terribly in depth book, but a fun read.
Interesting look at vaudville, early Hollywood and the Marx Brothers.
Not a terribly in depth book, but a fun read.
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Read in June, 2008
recommends it for:
Folks wanting some Marx Bros history
I was really excited to read this autobiography of Groucho Marx and the majority of the book didn't disappoint. Groucho tells some terrific stories about growing up Marx with his brothers. I also loved his tales about Kansas City (it's neat to read what an important tour stop it was back in its hey-day) and what he had to say about living in Chicago for a little while as a teen.
But then...! Then it just turns into a GROUCHy old man (the book was published in 1959) griping about th...more
But then...! Then it just turns into a GROUCHy old man (the book was published in 1959) griping about th...more
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Really funny. More like a collection of recollections than an autobiography. Also a very insightful portrait of the times, including a really interesting story about the speculation boom before and during the market crash of '29.
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Read in December, 2009
A simply fantastic read. Groucho delivers his own story in a way only he could pull off. His tone in his writing is so firmly established, he can get away with saying just about anything.
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Read in October, 2009
Not just humorous, but alos a down-to-earth account of Groucho's travel from rags to riches and a very revealing portrait of the real face of showbusiness.
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Read in August, 2008
A fun quick read. I read this book right after I read A tree Grows in Brooklyn, so I had a whole theme thing going with turn of the century.
The stories that Groucho tells about his family and himself are the types of stories that you would tell about the dinner table to tease each other. Groucho tells his stories without making himlook like a saint, too. In fact, it seems like he goes out of his way to show his faults.
There's no bragging in this book, or sugar coatin...more
The stories that Groucho tells about his family and himself are the types of stories that you would tell about the dinner table to tease each other. Groucho tells his stories without making himlook like a saint, too. In fact, it seems like he goes out of his way to show his faults.
There's no bragging in this book, or sugar coatin...more
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I am a fan of the Marx Brothers, and this is a great mix of history, inside stories, and Groucho's humorous take on life.
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This was very fun. There is something in me that enjoys other generations seeing life through the same lens as we do.
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Read in May, 2009
A highly enjoyable read. If you like the Marx brothers, or just sharp wit and silly puns in general, you'll enjoy this book. While occasionally I would find myself asking "Is this a real story, or just a properly set up joke?" I found overall it didn't matter. If you're looking for intimate details about Groucho and his brothera, you're not really going to find it here. You will find some amusing stories about them growing up, his associations in show business (with the names often...more
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Read in March, 2009
This book had me crying I was laughing so hard. What an interesting story and what an amzing outcome. Reading this gave me a whole new kind of appreciation of the Marx Brothers.
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Read in March, 2010
Pretty funny, but it's not nearly as hilarious reading Groucho's one-liners as it is to hear them.
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one of the wittiest men ever. if you've ever seen an episode of "you bet your life", you can see how smart the man was on the fly, just pulling the most gigantic zingers out of thin air like it was nothin' at all. now imagine him sitting at a typewriter and really taking his time. his affection for show business is apparent, but he still gives it a spank on the bottom every chance he get's. it is gold.
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A truely fun and funny read.Groucho details how he...and his brothers came up thru the ranks of Vaudeville,Theatre,Broadway to Movies and beyond in his own inimitable witty style..Its as good as Duck Soup and Horsefeathers!:o)..Best part is the first, as Groucho paints a pretty picture of turn of the century show life and travel...
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A touching memoir of the early life of the Marx Brothers, and their rise to stardom, written in the inimitable style of Groucho. In turns sentimental and hilarious, this is a must-read for any fans of the Marxes, and worthwhile for anyone who just loves a rags-to-riches story.
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