The Marx Brothers: A Bio-Bibliography

(Hardback)

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Description

This bio-bibliography was designed to present a combined biographical, critical and bibliographical portrait of the Marx Brothers. It examines their significance in film comedy in particular and as popular cultural figures in general. The book is divided into five chapters. It begins with a biography which explores the public and private sides of the Marx Brothers. Gehring focuses on the best-known of the Brothers, Groucho, Chico and Harpo, with special emphasis on Groucho. Groucho predominates for several reasons - he appears to have been the public's favourite; he was the only brother to have a successful solo career; he produced a large body of writing, including eight books and volumes of correspondence; and he was the only brother to participate in the Marx Brothers revival of the 1960s and 1970s.

Reviews

Professor Gehring has written a valuable compact handbook on the greatest comedy team in the history of the cinema. The reputation of the Marx Brothers has perhaps slipped a little recently. Woody Allen has taken over part of their role and has produced a more sophosticated New York Jewish humour. But each generation of adolescent film buffs will discover for themselves the unique joys of Grouch, Harpo and Chico let loose on the screen. This volume is a good start for any scholar attempting to analyse their achievement. A hundred pages of biography is followed by a short summary of their influence on film comedy, three extracts from their own writings, a comprehensive bibliography and further reference information. No Marx Brothers fan who is crazy enough to want to find out how his heroes put their act together should be without this work-Historical Journal of Film, Radio and Television
Well-researched and informative, this volume brings new light on the comedians' contribution to screen art.-The Bookshelf
"Well-researched and informative, this volume brings new light on the comedians' contribution to screen art."-The Bookshelf
"Professor Gehring has written a valuable compact handbook on the greatest comedy team in the history of the cinema. The reputation of the Marx Brothers has perhaps slipped a little recently. Woody Allen has taken over part of their role and has produced a more sophosticated New York Jewish humour. But each generation of adolescent film buffs will discover for themselves the unique joys of Grouch, Harpo and Chico let loose on the screen. This volume is a good start for any scholar attempting to analyse their achievement. A hundred pages of biography is followed by a short summary of their influence on film comedy, three extracts from their own writings, a comprehensive bibliography and further reference information. No Marx Brothers fan who is crazy enough to want to find out how his heroes put their act together should be without this work"-Historical Journal of Film, Radio and Television

Author Bio

WES D. GEHRING is Associate Professor of Film at Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana.