Groucho: The Life And Times of Julius Henry Marx - Hardcover

Kanfer, Stefan

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 071399469X ISBN 13: 9780713994698

Publisher: Allen Lane, 2000

Synopsis

Since his death in 1977, no major biography of Groucho Marx, the most influential comedian of his generation, has been written. None of the books published during his lifetime told the whole story, or truly reflected the Marxian spirit. Now Kanfer's biography uncovers the man behind the much-loved character, looking at his complicated life dominated by personal and professional disatisfaction. Why was he so scared of ending up in poverty, why were his relationships with women often so cruel and destructive and what of his complex relations with his brothers? GROUCHO raises the curtain on this icon of twentieth-century cynicism and irreverence with compelling authority, affection and honesty.

About this title

Review:

Without Groucho Marx, modern comedy would be unrecognisable. With his painted-on moustache, ever-present cigar, loping walk, and instant put-downs, he achieved an iconic status. His comic routines have enthralled audiences, impressed critics, and inspired a number of academic theses. But what of Julius, the man behind the greasepaint? In this, the first major biography since the comedian's death, Stefan Kanfer suggests that the distinction between Groucho and Julius was never a simple one.

The author traces Groucho's difficulties back to his childhood: as the third of five brothers to an ambitious mother, Groucho found himself neglected in favour of the others. It was only with success on the stage that he could win his mother Minnie's approval. In later years, his relationships with women were rarely successful--he married on three occasions, each time alienating his wife with his relentless criticism. By the end of his life, Groucho was a lonely man, living with a woman who, many of his relatives claimed, was interested only in his money.

To reinforce his theories about Groucho's character, Kanfer resorts to speculation rather too often, as when he asks "Was he so marked by Minnie's dominance ... that he felt compelled to tyrannize and humiliate any woman who ventured too close?" However, unlike many revisionary biographies of iconic figures, Kanfer's book does not dwell exclusively upon the murkier aspects of his subject's life. It is clear throughout that the author has a deep respect for Groucho, and he takes any excuse to quote choice lines, making for an account that is both appropriately funny and necessarily poignant. --John Oates

Review:

"Thoroughly absorbing.... Groucho has finally gotten a biographer worthy of him."-The Wall Street Journal

About this edition

• Publisher: Allen Lane
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 071399469X
• ISBN 13: 9780713994698
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 480