The Groucho Letters: Letters from and to Groucho Marx

To Confidential Magazine

Gentlemen:

If you continue to publish slanderous pieces about me, I shall feel compelled to cancel my subscription.

Sincerely,

Groucho Marx

With little formal education, Groucho could construct a letter better than most people with college degrees. He shows himself as witty, acerbic, sometimes sentimental and, yes, often grouchy. The book starts off with his infamous exchange with the legal department at Warner Brothers, who claim they own the rights to the movie title "Casablanca." Groucho responds that, perhaps, since the Marx Brothers were famous before the Warner Brothers, that perhaps they owned the rights to use "Brothers"?

We see Groucho's exchanges with many of his friends, but not much between the brothers themselves, since they were almost always together and there was no need of correspondence. We see Groucho's complaints and his praise. The most memorable part of the book is Groucho's legendary correspondence with the poet, T.S. Elliot. Groucho is clearly in awe of the poet, who seems equally in awe of the comic. It takes several years for this predecessor of the modern "Email friendship" to become a "real life friendship" when Groucho and his wife fly to London to meet "Tom" and his wife. We find out about the evening via a letter Groucho sent to another person. We also see a letter where Groucho mourns T.S. Elliot's passing.

This collection of letters is never out-dated, and never becomes boring. There is always something to read, somewhere in the book. It is not a book that you will read, then forget about. It's an amazing, historical collection of wit, sarcasm and genuine tenderness that is essential to any humor library.


It loses one star because I want more!   July 13, 2001
 6 out of 6 found this review helpful

For some, a criterion of great art is: it makes you feel creative. Reading Groucho's letters makes one look around for pen and paper.

It is a pity Groucho Marx's prose isn't better known, because it was quite good. He found a voice all his own, with due influence or inspiration from Robert Benchley and, most certainly, S.J. Perelman.

This collection of letters ranges from warm and teasing, to wry and satirical, to scathing (a section entitled "Short Shrift" showcases letters designed to sting and fly away, like a wasp). Yet throughout, Marx's wit is belied by a language that is literate and witty but uses an ordinary vocabulary. They reflect the man himself, who had a third-grade education and hit the books in later years. His willingness to address himself to unknown corporate officers, well-known politicians, or to put on a major film studio work the way much of Groucho's humor worked: he comes from the level of the ordinary person, caring not a whit for ceremony or status; and he is willing to talk circles around just about anybody, to their vexation and our delight.


Great gift for a fan (and his girlfriend who still reads it)   January 4, 2000
 5 out of 6 found this review helpful

I bought this book for my boyfriend and he LOVED it. It's easy to read, filled with interesting tales and a must-have for any Groucho Marx fan. I, while not a Marx Brothers fan for all my life, found myself picking up the book again and again. Very enjoyable. Very easy to digest. It was read by us both within a couple of days of his unwrapping the gift.


Super!Tolkien would say,"Groucho is 'hobbit' forming!"   December 12, 1997
 5 out of 7 found this review helpful

As delightful a Marxist account as can be found anywhere (Groucho would probably say that Karl is no Engel!:-))!Groucho's rapier wit is contagious; the book lends an insight into the man as well,at times the humor is ironical without ever being cynical;his respect for other literary personae comes through strongly-a classic case in point is his legendary correspondence with T. S. Eliot. The book abounds with bon mots and his hilarious correspondence with Warner Brothers is an excellent introduction to the book.This is the type of book that everybody should have as it easily elicits a laugh, chuckle and guffaw (which,as Groucho says, is a good name for a law firm)! All in all, 'grouching' around should begin with this book-full marx to Groucho for that!And after reading this book, you don't have to beware of the Ides of Marx!


This book will cure what ails you!   December 17, 2002
 4 out of 4 found this review helpful

I received this book after major surgery some years back and Groucho's wit really helped pick up my spirits and take my mind off of my body. This was one of the best gifts that I've ever received and I'm pleased to see that it's back in print. If you could have a dinner party and invite any historical figures that you wanted, wouldn't Groucho be on the list? This collection of his intimate correspondence is the next best thing.