This bio-bibliography was designed to present a combined biographical, critical, and bibliographical portrait of the Marx Brothers. It examines their significance in film comedy in particular, and as popular culture figures in general. The book is divided into five sections, beginning with a biography which explores the public and private sides of the Marx Brothers. The second section is concerned with the influences of the Marx Brothers as icons of anti-establishment comedy, as contributors to developments in American comedy, as early examples of saturation comedy, and as a crucial link between silent films and the talkies. Three original articles, two by Groucho and one by Gummo, comprise part three. A bibliographical essay, which assesses key reference materials and research collections, is followed by two bibliographical checklists. Appendices containing a chronological biography with a timeline, a filmography, and a selected discography complete the work.

About the Author

WES D. GEHRING is Associate Professor of Film at Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana.

Review 

"Professor Gehring has written a valuable compact handbook on the greatest comedy team in the history of the cinema. The reputation of the Marx Brothers has perhaps slipped a little recently. Woody Allen has taken over part of their role and has produced a more sophosticated New York Jewish humour. But each generation of adolescent film buffs will discover for themselves the unique joys of Grouch, Harpo and Chico let loose on the screen. This volume is a good start for any scholar attempting to analyse their achievement. A hundred pages of biography is followed by a short summary of their influence on film comedy, three extracts from their own writings, a comprehensive bibliography and further reference information. No Marx Brothers fan who is crazy enough to want to find out how his heroes put their act together should be without this work"-Historical Journal of Film, Radio and Television