I loved reading “Harpo Speaks” 25 years ago, the autobiography of the eternally silent on-screen Marx Brother.
I remember digging the old Hollywood stories, tales of his place at The Algonquin round table, and behind the scenes Marx Brothers movie stuff.
It’s been a quest of sorts to find a good condition hardcover copy ever since. I found one online, and treated myself to it.
The First paragraph:
“I don’t know whether my life has been a success or a failure. But not having any anxiety about becoming one instead of the other, and just taking things as they came along, I’ve had a lot of extra time to enjoy life.”
I think I liked it 25 years ago for more than just the things I thought I did. It’s a phenomenal read, start to finish.
Fun fact: The Marx Brothers were based in Chicago for a decade, as they rode trains across the country on the vaudeville circuit. During that time, they went to a LOT of White Sox games, including during the 1919 scandalous season.
Matt is the son of an opera singer/music teacher and a sportswriter/small business owner. He is the youngest of 5, and had to fight for airtime at the kitchen table. Of his two older brothers, one was a musician and one an athlete/sports fan. Matt became both. He has always been both, among other sthings.
Matt hosts sports radio on 670 The Score in Chicago, writes Baseball columns in various places, sings with the band he founded, Tributosaurus, and writes about everything from his favorite sandwich to his only child.
He is curious, and works hard to remain open and optimistic. Happiness is a choice.