Harpo Speaks! by Harpo Marx, Rowland Barber
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Book Reviews of Harpo Speaks!
Book Review: harpo speaks and speaks and speaks and speaks . . .
Summary: 5 Stars
. . . and in so doing covers the breadth of the Twentieth Century. This is a book filled with equal doses of wit, love and humour . . .all set against the great doings of the last century. As a celebrity, he found himself centerstage as history swirled around him - from Hollywood to Communist Moscow, WW2 to the greater conflicts at the Algonquin Round Table. He was loved by the wits of his time - Parker, Hecht, Levant, Groucho, Burns, Woolcott because he listened. In this book - illustrated by his wife he tells all about the Brothers, his vast family (children and animals)and the world they lived. Well captured by Barber . . . Buy the book.Book Review: What a life! A must read autobio for those who read bios.
Summary: 5 Stars
I first read this book about 30 years ago. I have since re-read it about 4 times. I have two copies so I can loan one to others. What a life this man lead. He did it all! For someone who only finished the 5th grade, he silently made world impact. (Pun intended but accurate). His collection of intellectual (Algonquin roundtable) friends never held his lack of education against him. His child like pursuit of fun, zest for life, honesty, and compassion more than made up for it. He also managed to address fame without the trappings (vices) that burdened his brothers. This is a must read for all who love life and the pursuit of same.Book Review: Oh, but what a good book!
Summary: 5 Stars
I've read Harpo Speaks a total of 14 times in three years. From this book, I began my obsession with the Algonquin Roundtable, Dorothy Parker's works, the plays of George S Kaufman and much more. The wisdom this man speaks is shocking considering he is best known for his role as a mute comic with a funny wig and horn on the end of cane. His powers of storytelling are amazing. Whether it be his childhood growing up in a little German ghetto, or being thrown out of school or his games of Peezie-Weezie or romping around Europe with the intelligentsia of the 1920's, it's a wonderfully told story. One of my most favored books ever.
Book Review: Wonderful!
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is basically Harpo's autobiography. Starts with his impoverished childhood and goes well into his career and family life, neither which are ever dull! He talks about failures just as much as he talks about successes, which is what makes this such an excellent book. He makes fun of himself and doesn't take much to heart. This book is unpretentious, relatable, and a great read. If you're familiar with the Marx Brothers' films, you'll see a bit of material in this book, but ultimately it doesn't talk much at all about all the movies they made. This is about Harpo's life rather than solely his career as a Marx Brother.Book Review: Loved It.
Summary: 5 Stars
I have always been a fan of the Marx Brothers. I own most of their movies and other videos and interviews. Everything I've learned about them has always been from director's, other stars', Groucho's, or Gummo's point of views. Harpo's point of view is refreshing and mostly about his escapades, with the family thrown in here and there. He paints a picture of his life with kind and gentle strokes and leaves you with a piece of art that you haven't seen before. I laughed out loud and shed some tears and when I was done I wished I could go back and read it again for the first time. Did I mention that I loved it?