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The Appreciator - Welcome to the World of Matt
Home
Appreciations
    Why The Appreciator?
    Collected Wisdom
    Media Reccomendations
    Soul Fillers
    Reuben R. Reuben loves Reubens
Matt’s Satisfying Expressions
    Personal
    Originals
Sports Writings
    Baseball
    Cubs 2016 Season
    Things Less Important Than Baseball
    Radio
Music Writings
    On Musical Intake
    On Musical Output
    Hot Stove, Cool Music
Tributosaurus
    Official Site/Schedule
    Press
    Videos
Good Comp, Bad Comp
Introducing “Our Game”
About Matt
Further The Conversation
    Contact Matt
  • Home
  • Appreciations
    • Why The Appreciator?
    • Collected Wisdom
    • Media Reccomendations
    • Soul Fillers
    • Reuben R. Reuben loves Reubens
  • Matt’s Satisfying Expressions
    • Personal
    • Originals
  • Sports Writings
    • Baseball
    • Cubs 2016 Season
    • Things Less Important Than Baseball
    • Radio
  • Music Writings
    • On Musical Intake
    • On Musical Output
    • Hot Stove, Cool Music
  • Tributosaurus
    • Official Site/Schedule
    • Press
    • Videos
  • Good Comp, Bad Comp
  • Introducing “Our Game”
  • About Matt
  • Further The Conversation
    • Contact Matt
Collected Wisdom, Media Reccomendations

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.

 


 “You know, I guess I think I’ve always been a professional critic… you know, or some sort of professional appreciator or something."
-Nick Hornby, High Fidelity (2000)

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