Harpo Speaks! by Harpo Marx, Rowland Barber
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Book Reviews of Harpo Speaks!
Book Review: What a life!
Summary: 5 Stars
Harpo Marx is one of the funniest men of the depressing twentieth century. But the funniest part is, his own life was even funnier than the character he played on stage.My mom gave me this book when my grandmother told her it was the funniest book she had ever read. Now, having read it, I can say its comic value stands the test of time.
Though Harpo himself never made it past the second grade, his autobiography is a classic work of literature: his warm personality draws you in immediately, and you're introduced to so many formative figures and events of the times.
Whether it's espionage under Stalin's nose, sitting in on the legendary Algonquin Round Table, having clothes ripped off by George Bernard Shaw, or pulling practical jokes on William Randolph Hearst in his own castle, Harpo's entire life, full of love, laughter, and meaning, is one giant anecdote--the perfect stuff for an autobiography!
Book Review: Funny, fascinating and detailed, all in historical context.
Summary: 5 Stars
Harpo Speaks! is a wonderfully detailed and humorous description of his life as a struggling boy actor in the 1900's, his burgeoning career of the 1910's, and greater success and acclaim thereafter. Unlike his "kid brother with the moustache", Harpo was not at all averse to providing detailed autobiographical information, or at furnishing a clear chronological context with respect to the rest of the world. Groucho's autobiography was funny and wonderful but left me wanting a clearer and more cohesive chronology. Harpo's writing doesn't have anywhere near the immediate humorous punch that characterized Groucho's, yet most of the situations described are quite funny enough in their own right to carry the day regardless of the writing style.If you love all things Marx, read Groucho's autobio first and then read Harpo Speaks! to fill in the details.
Book Review: Simply perfect
Summary: 5 Stars
This is quite simply one of the best books I've ever read. Harpo tells his story with such enthusiasm, it's hard to put down. Whether telling the story of how he (quite literally) got booted out of school in the second grade, how he fell in love with and was pursued by his wife Susan, how a reveiwer put an end to his talking onstage, or his addiction to black jelly beans (!), he never loses his sense of humor.The book focuses as much (if not more) on his personal life outside of the Marx Brothers circle. Some of the people he became friends with, the places he went, and the things he did are increadible to read about.
This book is beautifully written and makes Harpo even more endearing than he already was in all of the Marx Brothers films. Even if you are not a Harpo fan, you will find something to appreciate in this funny and touching autobiography.
Book Review: I hated for it to end!
Summary: 5 Stars
I was inspired to purchase "Harpo Speaks" after watching his appearance on I Love Lucy. Boy was I in for a treat. From the first sentence to the last he had my attention. I'm not an avid reader, yet every day I found myself looking forward to spending some time with Harpo. He had the most amazing life for someone who grew up poor and started making money selling junk at pawn shops and playing piano in a brothel. My favorite stories were his adventures with (and in spite of) Aleck Woollcott, living at the Garden of Allah and falling in love with Susan Fleming. When I hit the last few chapters I found myself dreading the ending, having to say goodbye to Harpo. His life was so colorful and rich, but the way the book is written you feel like you're hearing it from a friend. It's a shame that there aren't any good recordings of his voice ~ he surely had one!Book Review: Humor, history, romance, rent-kicking, parenting & humor!
Summary: 5 Stars
I've owned this book for over thirty years, and I am so happy that I finally read it!!! Not since Frank Capra's "Name Above the Title" has there been such historical resonance to a show business autobiography. Give it to a friend who's sick, but get their doctors permission first. Laughter may be the best medicine, but I nearly burst my stitches on this one. It is funny, heartwarming, and educational. We all can learn a lot from this clown about the art of parenting, the craft of comedy and the joy of friendship. Special mention should be made to his brilliant technique of storytelling to explain to his kids that they were adopted, although my personal favorites are the trip to Russia and his courtship to his loving wife. Buy this book for your spouse, a friend in need, or anyone that you love. That includes you!