Monkey Business: The Lives and Legends of the Marx Brothers - Simon Louvish

To say Monkey Business, the latest instalment in the superb Faber and Faber film series is well researched is to make a spectacular understatement. Author Simon Louvish's study is almost academic in its approach; indeed, his ability to weigh up conflicting accounts of Marx Brothers' history (particularly their childhood years, which until now have been perhaps sluggishly chronicled) is admirable. Correcting even the brothers' own autobiographies at times, the author leaves the reader with the impression that no stone has been left unturned in the quest to find the truth.

The danger, of course, is that many an academic study fails to capture the spirit of a comedy act such as this. Louvish's obvious love of his subject, however, is the perfect antidote, allowing quotes and jokes from the brothers themselves to creep into the text, lightening the mood where necessary, and illustrating many a point better than any description could manage. Included also are several key Marx brothers script extracts, particularly from early film outings and theatre scripts, which will no doubt allow real Marx aficionados to trace the evolution of their favourite sketches.

Here is the full story of the Marx family; including for the first time a biography of Zeppo; the last-but-one son who bowed out of showbiz because of a stutter. Uncle Al also makes an appearance, and Louvish explains the incalculable help his stage experience and play writing had on the style of the fledgling foursome.

In later years, fame in pantomime personas allowed The Marx Brothers a certain freedom outwith their characters, and Louvish eagerly retells tales of Harpo's acceptance into intellectual cafe society, and the brothers' brushes with the FBI. This is a matter-of-fact tale, told with neither an over-rosy view of these cinematic heroes nor an agenda to shock. One for fans and film buffs alike. --Helen Lamont ... (more) (less)

Simon Louvish

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