Life with Groucho: A Son's Eye View

by Arthur Marx

Here is the story of Groucho's journey through life, from vaudeville to video in all its unconventional glory ... the real, he unabashed low-down on what makes Groucho walk instead of run.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Humor, Media Tie In, Film, Memoir, Comedy

309 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1954

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

[David]

Always fun. As with every Marx Brothers book, there are a few unique anecdotes, stories no one else tells. The "child's-eye-view" as recalled by the adult narrator is also a different take on Groucho than anyone else could produce.

[Sierra SeaWitch · Rating 4 out of 5]

"My Life with Groucho" reads like a time capsule. The first half is from Arthur Marx's first edition that was released in the midst of "You Bet Your Life" success. Part Two was unique in that Arthur was able to talk about the first books release and the tension it caused in his household. Because this book was written across many years the tone does change, most notably in the end concerning Eden Hartford. The intimate perspective of the author made this an exceptional look into the life of the world-famous Groucho Marx. Despite the potential for bias I felt that Arthur Marx gave a fair depiction of his father throughout.

Besides Harpo Marx's "Harpo Speaks" this was the first time I had any sense of who Groucho was as a person, not a comic.I learned a lot and have a greater appreciation of the Marx family because of it. I would recommend this book to any Marx Brothers or American Entertainment History fan.

[Jordan Bethea · Rating 4 out of 5]

A biography of groucho, focusing less on his accomplishments and more on his personality, and interactions with others. Does a good job of painting a picture of him as a person, and what he was like to be around, in the good ways and the bad. The updated version tells all the way through to his death, and spends a lot of time focusing on the fight around his estate and conservatorship, which while somewhat interesting, isn't really about him as much. But overall it's entertaining, and I feel like I understand him pretty well at the end.

[Brian Cohen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great companion to “Groucho and Me”. This book adds the personal details and private life anecdotes missing from that one, and while always funny it isn’t always completely flattering. Groucho wasn’t the easiest guy to be married to (as evidenced by a few broken marriages), it sounds like he always had to be right even when he wasn’t, but he does come across as dedicated to his children. The ups and downs of Groucho’s career are well documented, culminating with the explosion of popularity he found as the late radio/early TV era host of “You Bet Your Life”.

[Mick Meyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written book,told with warmth,humour and a little pathos.the second part gets a little more serious regarding his last live in partner and family.why oh why after all the enjoyment he'd brought fid they not let him enjoy his last years.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first part was not very compelling or well written. Part 2 was just the opposite--well, except for the being better written. The stars are for the stories, not the writing.

Groucho Marx became world famous as the fast talking, wisecracking man with the moustache and the big cigar. That was his public image. but there was another Groucho--a warm, loving family man.

This biography of one of America's most brilliant comedians is also the account of an intimate father-son relationship. Arthur Marx tells of his own stormy life with his father and what it was like to grow up with the Marx Brothers.

[Sue-Beth Warren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I inadvertently bought two copies of the same book--Life with Groucho and My Life with Groucho, which is an edited and updated version of Life with Groucho. I'm glad I did as each book has material in it that is not in the other. My Life contains lots of information about the last years of Groucho's life that obviously couldn't be covered in a book that came out in the '50s. Life contains some letters Groucho had written to his son Arthur and a version of Little Red Riding Hood that Groucho told him when he was a boy as well as other anecdotes omitted from My Life. If you love Groucho, you will want to read one or preferably both of these.

[Jim Tincher · Rating 3 out of 5]

This had real potential to be a 5-star read. If I had stopped at the "First Book," it would have been.

You see, the book was originally introduced in the 50s, when Groucho was old, but still doing well. It was written by his son, and really showed a good side of Groucho. Unfortunately, his son added a second "book" after Groucho's death, that goes into Groucho's decline, as well as his growing dependency on a young woman who his son detested. It's really too bad that he chose a book about his father to be his therapy!

I highly recommend reading this book, then stopping after book 1.

[Travis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting look at the Marx Brothers and Hollywood written by Groucho's son.
Brilliant and funny as Groucho was, he was also pretty dysfunctional in his family life and relationships with women.
Plus, Groucho's final years were very rough and it's heart breaking to read what his son went through trying to help him through that time.

[Dann Wilhelm · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first half was a wonderfully charming biography of a genius comedian. The second half turned into a family political drama with a gold-digging shrew at the center of it taking advantage of an old Hollywood star. It truly was a "rise and unfortunate fall of a great comedian". A funny and sad bio written by a loving son.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first half of this book is a pretty decent biography with several items of interest. The second half, unfortunately, is largely dedicated to Arthur's problems with his father, and the decline and fall of Groucho.

[Lynne Stringer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having long been a fan of the Marx Brothers, I enjoyed reading about Groucho's life, although the story certainly becomes poignant at the end. There's no doubt that Groucho's life was an amazing one (as was his talent) and his son, Arthur, has captured it well. Highly recommended.

[Tom Stamper · Rating 5 out of 5]

The funniest memoir I have ever read. I heard my dad laughing in the other room once. I went in to find him reading my copy of this book. He spent most of Sunday with it, barely paying attention to the football game. The only time in history I had ever seen that happen.

[John Lyman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the seventh Marx Brothers related autobiography or biography I've read. It is more complete and seemingly more objective than most of the others. It gives the clearest description of Groucho, especially his final years, than any other I've read. His demise was sad and controversial.

[Tom Stamper · Rating 5 out of 5]

The funniest memoir I have ever read. I heard my dad laughing in the other room once. I went in to find him reading my copy of this book. He spent most of Sunday with it, barely paying attention to the football game. The only time in history I had ever seen that happen.

[Dayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Groucho because and, in spite of, his flaws...and so does his son, Arthur.

[Janis · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of many books I've read about the early comedians. I liked gaining some insight into the private man.

[Steven Pofcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy reading about this period and the entertainment world. Grouch was a funny guy and a real person.
Unfortunately he was taken advantage of by his last wife.

[Serena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of personal anecdotes told by the son of one of the greatest comedians.