Harpo Speaks, and Thank God He Did

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.