Son of Harpo Speaks: The Humor of Groucho Marx's Kid, Arthur Marx

Son of Harpo Speaks! (Applause Books)

by Bill Marx

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	14484 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	328 pages

FREE

In the annals of comedy, few names are as synonymous with laughter as Groucho Marx. The quick-witted, mustachioed comedian was a master of wordplay, slapstick, and social satire. But behind the iconic Groucho character was a man named Julius Henry Marx, and he had a son who would go on to become a humorist in his own right: Arthur Marx.

In his book Son of Harpo Speaks, Arthur Marx shares his memories of his father and offers a unique perspective on the life and career of one of the most beloved comedians of all time.

Growing Up Marx

Arthur Marx was born in 1921, the youngest of Groucho's three children. His mother was Groucho's first wife, Ruth Johnson. Arthur's early years were spent in a chaotic but loving household filled with laughter and music.

Groucho was a devoted father, but he was also a demanding taskmaster. He expected his children to be funny and to always be ready with a quick comeback. Arthur recalled that his father would often test his children's wit by asking them to come up with jokes on the spot.

"He would say, 'Okay, kids, let's see how funny you can be,'" Arthur said. "And we would have to come up with jokes right then and there. If we didn't make him laugh, he would give us a stern look and say, 'That's not funny.' But if we did make him laugh, he would give us a big smile and say, 'That's my boy!'"

The Marx Brothers

As Arthur grew older, he began to spend more time with his uncles, the Marx Brothers. The four brothers—Groucho, Harpo, Chico, and Zeppo—were already established stars in the world of vaudeville and film. Arthur was fascinated by their act and would often watch them rehearse.

"I loved watching my uncles perform," Arthur said. "They were so funny and so talented. I learned a lot about comedy from them."

In 1935, Arthur made his own film debut in the Marx Brothers classic A Night at the Opera. He played a small role as a boy who is mistaken for Harpo. Arthur's performance was a hit with audiences and critics, and he went on to appear in several more Marx Brothers films.

After the Marx Brothers

After the Marx Brothers disbanded in the early 1940s, Arthur continued to work in show business. He wrote for radio and television, and he also appeared in several Broadway plays. In 1954, he published his first book, Life with Groucho. The book was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish Arthur as a leading humorist in his own right.

Over the years, Arthur Marx wrote more than two dozen books, including My Foolish Heart, The Marx Brothers in a Nutshell, and Son of Harpo Speaks. He also appeared on numerous television shows and specials, and he was a frequent guest speaker at comedy festivals and events.

Arthur Marx died in 2011 at the age of 90. He was one of the last surviving members of the Marx Brothers comedy team, and he was a beloved figure in the world of entertainment.

In Son of Harpo Speaks, Arthur Marx shares his memories of his father and offers a unique perspective on the life and career of one of the most beloved comedians of all time. The book is a must-read for fans of Groucho Marx and for anyone who loves to laugh.

Son of Harpo Speaks! (Applause Books)

by Bill Marx

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	14484 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	328 pages

FREE