Groucho

by Hector Arce

Here at last is the definitive biography of the man behind the comedian who was truly a legend in his own time. Based on countless conversations with Groucho and his close cooperation, access to his private papers, and hundreds of interviews with friends and associates, here is the first biography to explore rather than exploit the fast-quipping, ferociously witty phenomenon that was Groucho Marx.

More than a collection of wild antics and heady Hollywood hijinks, this in-depth portrait evokes the man whose wit masked a profound romanticism, whose barbs served to blunt his own doubts about his place in Hollywood society and his success with some of the most sought-after women of all time.

Hector Arce probes Marx’s three marriages, his problem-riddled relationships with his three children and the other women in his life including Olivia de Havilland, Maureen O’Sullivan, Virginia Shulberg, and others. We are also giving a detailed account of his relationships with his gifted brothers, parents, and countless friends—all of whom appear in three-dimensional form in his work. Friendships, quarrels, triumphs and defeats—all are recorded here with care and frankness.

Lively, loving, blisteringly candid, Groucho goes beyond the brilliant wag to reveal the bedeviled man beneath.

Genres: Biography, Humor, Media Tie In

541 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1979

Reviews

[David]

Tries to tell, on Groucho's own instruction, "the whole story." Tries well, on the whole. Arce died before the entirety of the legal situation surrounding Groucho's will oculd be resolved, but in terms of being fairly close to his subject in his last days, Arce (along with Steve Stoliar, and slightly less Lyn Erhard) had a privileged perspective. As with virtually all studies of all aspects of the Marx Brothers, errors that appear to be the by-product of working from memory appear; in this case, for example, a scene from Animal Crackers is reported as coming from Cocoanuts ... or do I mean the other way around? The book is not a whitewashed portrait of a wholly-beloved icon of comedy, but a reasonably fair chronicle of its subject including his weaknesses. Definitely worth reading.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author writes about the entire family and how the brothers ended up with an act. Their mother was a prime “mover” as far as getting them started and pushing them to branch out.

Groucho is a complicated man. He is also very quick and intelligent. His relationships with his children are sad as they become adults.

I remember seeing him on TV with his quiz show. My parents loved him. The author tries to be fair and does a good job. I enjoyed the book.

[Ken · Rating 5 out of 5]

one of the best Marx brothers/ groucho books

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

With a title like Groucho, you'd sort of expect it to be solely about Groucho. But, the first half at least is about the Marx family (Mom, Dad, and the famous brothers). It's only after the midway point that Arce really hones in on Groucho as an individual and you get an intimate look at his life. Also, if you're the sort of person who'd rather not know the devastating details about personal heroes, this is not your book. Arce doesn't take sides, but he also pulls no punches. Groucho was not what you'd consider a family man and his relationships suffered due to his need to always be "on." However, I'd imagine that if we looked under the covers of a lot of lives, we'd find something less than desirable. Still, a good book about an incredible comedian and entertainer.

[Robin Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Superb read.