Marx Brothers Scrapbook, The (1976)

In his second book on the Marx Brothers (the first being 1971’s "Why A Duck?") Richard J. Anobile conducted lengthy interviews with Groucho, Gummo, Zeppo, Harpo’s widow Susan, and Jack Benny, among others. Most of the book is Groucho speaking, and his recollections are fascinating and brutally honest. Frequently the eighty-two-year old comedy giant lashes out at the twenty-six-year old Anobile: "Fifty years ago! How the hell am I supposed to remember what I did fifty years ago?" Gummo is pleasant and cooperative, more so than Zeppo, who was no doubt squirming about that card game that was getting away. Susan Marx is blunt about Groucho’s caustic tongue and Chico’s gambling. Groucho’s four-letter words, which are in abundance, found their way into the final print and Groucho sued for $15,000,000.00 to stop publication. This was settled in Anobile’s favor as Groucho signed all the releases. Steve Stoliar, a college student who worked for Groucho and helped get "Animal Crackers" re-released, says he doesn’t doubt Groucho used that language, but never thought that Anobile would include it. Son Arthur Marx attributed it to his father’s advanced age. This can’t be recommended enough for Marx Brothers fans; it’s a treasure trove of information, tidbits, and gossip.