–Dick Cavett from the foreword
“A Groucho discovery…A Valuable and very funny compendium.”
–Leonard Maltin, Entertainment Tonight
Comic genius Groucho Marx was a gifted writer, as well as a star in film, radio, and television. His writing is often overlooked in studies of his career, perhaps due to the quantity and variety of his other work, but Groucho said that his fondest dream was to be remembered for his writing above all else.
Groucho Marx and Other Short Stories and Tall Tales ($19.99, Applause Books) includes the best of Groucho’s short comic pieces written for magazines and newspapers such as the New York Times and the New Yorker. This newly expanded edition includes 19 additional lost comic gems, a new foreword by Dick Cavett, and rarely seen photographs.
Stories include “Why Harpo Doesn’t Talk” and “The Truth About Captain Spalding.” His letters could be used as models of perfect wording, fresh images, deft turn of phrase, and high intelligence. The familiar irreverence, wordplay, and a dash of self-deprecation bring Groucho’s wisecracking voice to life, firmly establishing him as the man Woody Allen called the most greatly gifted of comedians.
Robert S. Bader (Los Angeles, CA) has been a Marx Brother fan since childhood. He is the writer and producer of the documentary The Dawn of Sound: How Movies Learned to Talk. His other credits include The Legendary Bing Crosby, The Honeymooners 50th Anniversary Celebration, and numerous DVD collections including The Dick Cavett Show and Groucho’s quiz show, You Bet Your Life. He is available for interview.
