Harpo Speaks! by Harpo Marx, Rowland Barber Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Harpo Speaks!
Book Review: Harpo
Summary: 5 Stars
I read this book 15 years ago and loved it--and Harpo. Still love it--and him--fifteen years later. Touching and funny.Book Review: Harpo Speak!
Summary: 4 Stars
I've had this book for a long time and have enjoyed reading it many times. It's a very good book. Much of the focus is on Harpo's personal life. And there is plently of pre-Hollywood stuff. However, there are two flaws which prevent it from being a great book. First, many of the early dates are wrong. At the time Harpo wrote this he was still not admitting his true age and his childhood dates vs. his age don't add up. Second, there is very little about The Marx Brothers movies.Book Review: Harpo Speaks
Summary: 5 Stars
Absolutely the best autobiography I've ever read. The Marx Brothers were a national treasure and Harpo was definitely the sweetest member. The book follows his life from very humble beginnings to superstardom. All through his life, he remained kind, loving and honest. He valued people for their true selves and never knew a stranger. I just finished it and plan to restart it again in a few weeks. No fan of theirs will be disappointed.Book Review: Harpo Speaks - A Must Read!
Summary: 5 Stars
"Harpo Speaks" is one of the few books I've ever read that left an lasting impression on me. I first read it in 1975 when I was a teenager. I had always loved the Marx Brothers movies, and Harpo was always my favorite. My mother loved celebrity biographies, and she knew I would love this book.
Now, some 35+ years later, I still am in love with this book. I have used many of the illustrations with my children over the years. I love the story after Harpo lost most of his money in the crash of 1929, and he came upon a couple who was being evicted from their flat. The landlord was selling their belongings, and Harpo bought a scrub brush for a nickel. If I remember correctly, he gave the scrub brush back to the couple.
Also, I remember how much he used humor when raising his children. Harpo shared throughout the book that if you keep your kids laughing, you will have them in the palm of your hand. That pearl of wisdom is so true, and I always remembered that with my children. They are grown now (well my youngest is 16), and they all have a great sense of humor.
I need to buy this book again. I lost it in a move around 20 years ago. I want each of my children to read this book, and get to know one of the most unique and down-to-earth men in our country's history. Harpo Marx was one of a kind, and we won't see anyone like him ever again. What a shame!
Book Review: Harpo Speaks Too Much About Woolcott
Summary: 3 Stars
It's only because Harpo is so likeable as a person that I give three stars. Since Groucho never went in depth about the Marx Brothers in any of his books, I was hoping Harpo would provide more insight. Unfortunately, Harpo was very hung up about his social status, and his friendships with the Hollywood elite. Way too many pages are given to his relationship with Aleck Woolcott, and the endless stories of pinochle, croquet, pinchie winchie, etc. The book does provide some interesting history, and what life was like during the vaudeville years. Again, this man probably has to be one of the nicest people who ever lived. He had a great life, and was a wonderful family man.
Overall, I recommend the book if you are interested in his personality. If you want to know how the Marx Brothers got along or any other in-depth detail on them, you will be disappointed.