Red Skelton: An Unauthorized Biography

by Arthur Marx

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Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, History, Humor

326 pages, Hardcover

First published October 31, 1979

About the author

Arthur Marx was an American author, a former ranked amateur tennis player, and son of entertainer Groucho Marx and his first wife, Ruth Johnson.

Reviews

[F · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a sugar-coated biography of one of your favorite stars look somewhere else. If you want an honest examination of the man- flaws as well as good qualities- this may just be what you are looking for.

I am a fan of Red Skelton- his talent was undeniable, and I have enjoyed him over the years. I was indeed disappointed, but not surprised, to find he had feet of clay like everyone else. Do I blame the author for pointing this out? Absolutely not! That is like shooting the messenger. Truth is truth and I prefer truth in a biography even if it hurts.

[Trav S.D. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not the best intro to Skelton's life and work, especially for someone too young to remember him on television. It takes for granted that the reader knows all his bits so doesn't spend much time talking about his comic art. The author of course is Groucho's son -- he got his start writing Groucho's biography. He did not inherit his father's talents. There is a lot of hackwork here both stylistically and journalistically. Because he is Groucho's son, he clearly had excellent access....but he also does a certain amount of trashing of Skelton in an apparent attempt to be commercial, hence the fact that the book is "unauthorized". I wouldn't mind reading a better book about this subject if there's one out there!

[Mike Kowis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great biography about the life and career of America's favorite clown! Red Skelton was popular before my time, but I enjoyed reading about how this funny man got started in showbiz doing small shows for riverboats and circuses before moving on to Burlesque and Vaudeville. Later, he starred in radio shows and Hollywood movies before finally getting his own (very popular) TV show that aired throughout most of the 1950s and 1960s. Sadly, his personal life and career was full of turmoil and tragedy, including a few failed marriages, greedy managers who took advantage of his finances, and the death of his young son. Despite the bad times, Red gave his all to bring humor and joy to millions of people during his long career. This book is very entertaining and I give it two thumbs up!

[Rex Cluff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fascinating book gives insight into the life of one of America's greatest comics and reveals a very complex personality. He had a troubled life which eventually mellowed with age and the things he suffered. Many of his sufferings were of his own making and he eventually recognized his own part in his troubles and sought to overcome them. A genius, self-taught person with many talents but troubled all the same. It brings home to our consciousness that people are far more complex than they may seem on the outward appearances. Our own lives may have similar complications and we would be well reminded to take into consideration those personal complications before judging anybody too harshly. This is a good read but not easy. Take your time reading and thinking through it.

[Anthony Ventrello · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a hard time finding a biography on one of my clown heroes, and I couldn't understand why. It suprised me that such a comic genius and great funny man would not have a lot of biographies. It became obvious almost right away that the author might have been a fan of Skelton's work but not of the man itself. It brings to mind a question: if you don't like the person, why waste time writing about them?

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book. Not quiet what I was expecting.

[Malachi Antal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Red Skelton

Originally read as a little kid. Newer appreciation for hackneyed routines the likes ‘Guzzlers Gin’ or the ‘Civil War Veteran’ certainly dates the comic genius.
Ample photographs added depth to this autobiography.
Twice doomed Mexican-American actress Lupe Velez mightn’t’ve been mentioned in the book. Technically not a spoilsport.
There’s an ease of readability in the unauthorized autobiography rather read than a tell-all memoir.
The .38-calibre revolver; trick gum photo is the leitmotif of the tragicomic of Red Skelton that the writer delves into the muck throughout the tale old as time. Red Skelton is actually a vaudeville performer transcended into the big-time glitz of Hollywood.

Nixon liked Red Skelton and, that’s the highest presidency compliment.
The Japanese painting honours Red Skelton’s love of things Japanese.

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