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Summary: The most over-looked Marx brother...
Review: Harpo Marx was one of the funniest men of all time yet tends to play second fiddle to his more famous brother Groucho. This book lets you get to know one of the more interesting men in history who considered himself to be a lucky guy who just happened to be famous. He hung out with some of the most elite people in the literary/movie world but always remained true to himself. Compared to Groucho there is no ego in this man. This book is wonderful.
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Summary: Harpo Writes !!!
Review: Plain and simple - if you enjoy "the boys" you will love this book.I began to become a "Marxist" when I was 12 years old with my first viewing of ANIMAL CRACKERS and years later has not stopped. Early on in my Marx Brothers fascination I found this book at the public library and became engrossed in it. As I saw more of their films (this was when VCR's were not common and you had to wait for their films to be shown on PBS or your UHF station)I read it over and over to find the story behind the film I had just seen or what the Marxes were doing at that time. I even used it as my seventh grade photo essay topic (grade A+, thanks Harpo!). As I got older I bought my own copy (I'm sure the library was annoyed by me taking out the same book over and over again every three weeks) and have read it many times. Harpo's storytelling is insghtful, amusing and clean. I believe the book was first published in 1961 and was a sucess - many wanted to hear what Harpo had to say (since he never spoke on the screen). You get to hear about the Marxes climb to fame, Harpos feelings about his brothers, their real life comical adventures and Harpos own personal adventures. Harpo was a distinct comedic personality in film and a loving, wonderful human being. Read his story, it will make you feel good.
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Summary: My Favorite Marx Brother
Review: I saw my first Marx Brothers film when I was six years old (Duck Soup) and from then on, I was hooked. Groucho was quick, witty, and acerbic, but he didn't draw me right away; Chico was adorable and funny, but he didn't, neither. It was the silent one with the huge eyes, bulb horn, and sweet manner that reeled me in. And it didn't hurt that he played my favorite instrument (discovered when I saw Animal Crackers). It turns out I was more or less accurate in determining his character. But was he the same off-screen as on? Yep: this book gives that impression. :o) When I first encountered Harpo Speaks! I knew I'd be in for something interesting when I read (paraphrased from memory), "Some people operate on a conscious and a subconscious. I work on a subconscious and a sub-subconscious.", and "I only have one weakness big enough to write a book about. My weakness is people. Since I never taken the direct route from anywhere to anywhere, I had the opportunity to meet and talk to a lot of people." This book reads like a Who's-Who of the early Twentieth Century, which is nice for whippersnappers like me who were not there. Harpo as Adolph, son of Minnie. Harpo as brother to Leonard, Julius, Milton, and Herbert. Harpo as husband to Susan and father of Billy, Alex, Minnie, and Jimmy. And finally. Harpo as Harpo. Honk!
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Summary: If only we all had a friend like Harpo...
Review: You know those movies you see that you go back to, time and time again, because the characters are people you enjoy spending time with so much, you almost wish they were part of your life? After reading this book, you will find yourself thinking and wishing the same things about Harpo Marx and the amazing people in his life. But the glue, the thing that holds all of those relationships together, is certainly Mr. Marx himself. He was a man who never lost the innocence and joy of being a child, of enjoying life, of relishing friendships and games and good conversation and the fun of pulling a good prank on someone. Reading "Harpo Speaks!" has made me take stock of my life & how I respond to it, and it has made me strive to be more of the kind of man that Harpo was. I originally bought the book as a gift for my sister, who plays the harp, and has occasionally been known by the nickname "Harpo" -- but I had to read it first, being a big Marx Brothers fan, and now that I have, it will be hard to part with it. I agree with almost all the comments made here -- including the fact that if you're looking for a book about the Marx Bros. in their heyday, this isn't it. There are anecdotes about the times before and after the career peak of the brothers, but I'm sure Harpo felt that much of the history from that period was common knowledge, and that his autobiography would be better spent detailing the more personal experiences in his life. I couldn't have asked for a more satisfying portrait of this man. Harpo Marx was an ordinary man, yes, but also extraordinary in that he exemplified the best of what makes us all human. That "Harpo Speaks!" makes this statement evident, and yet one never senses that Harpo is anything but the absolute picture of humility, only proves the sublime merit of this book. It is indeed a treasure, and after you have read its contents, you will know that the same is true of its subject. Buy it.
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Summary: harpo speaks and speaks and speaks and speaks . . .
Review: . . . 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.
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Summary: A clown reviews 'Harpo Speaks'
Review: Frankly, this is one of my favorite books of all time. It's hilarious, serious, witty, poignant and thought-provoking, sometimes all at the same time. It details what it was like to grow up in the Marx household, how all of the brothers were pushed into show business by their mother, Minnie, how hard they worked for so many years at (barely) subsistance wages, how they entertained each other, grew up on the road, and in one night changed from a singing group to the first great 'screwball' comedy team. If you love clowns, or are interested in clowning, you want to read this book; it's a wonderful insight into clowning, what's funny and why, as well as some of the Marx Brothers' classic routines. It's also a wonderful insight into a man I would have loved to have known; Harpo Marx.
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Summary: What a life! A must read autobio for those who read bios.
Review: 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.
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Summary: One of my favorite books of all time
Review: I so thoroughly enjoyed this book, that I count it as my number one recommendation of all times. It will make you feel good when you read it. There is an innocence, a feeling of playfulness that Harpo had that you will experience when you read this! I was so engrossed by this book, that as I read the last pages, I cried because it was over. You know you've read a great book when you don't want it to end.
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Summary: Pure Delight
Review: This has always been one of my favorite books--I read it on interlibrary loan 30 years ago while it was out of print. I was delighted to find it in print again, and bought it to bring back one of the bright spots of my younger days. It was even more enjoyable to me in middle-age than as a teen. It is a history lesson, and a fountain of belly laughs. I would recommend it to anyone who loves the Marx Brothers or just a good healthy laugh.
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Summary: Best book I've read in years.
Review: This book is an unmitigated delight. What a pleasure! Reading it is like spending time with a dear old friend. Harpo wisely steers clear of recounting anything about his movies and sticks to a hilarious recounting of his childhood, and an affectionate cataloging of his many wonderful and famous friends. Warm, witty, and full of heart, like the man himself.
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