My life with Groucho /

The author's Son of Groucho (McKay, 1973) forms the basis for this book, along with updates that include a lengthy discussion of Groucho's troubled last years. In 1971 Groucho met Erin Fleming, whom son Arthur first assumed to be just one of the endless number of attractive young women who had filled his father's life. Erin had her own agenda, however, and as Groucho's secretary, soon took control of Groucho's career, household, and finances. As the comedian's senility increased, so did Fleming's control and Groucho's alienation from his own children. At one point, adoption papers were filed to name Erin as a daughter of Groucho Marx. Two physicians deemed him incapable of such decision making and refused to certify the papers. Intense court cases before and following Groucho's death have revealed the extent of Fleming's exploitation. Marx tries to withhold bitterness and anger from his tone and write a balanced story, but that effort is, understandably, not always successful. A fascinating, mostly flattering look at a memorable talent. ~--Denise Perry Donavin

The life of comedy legend Groucho Marx (1890-1977) is detailed in this flawed but sensitive biography. Material from the author's 1954 biography, Groucho , is incorporated; editing out the present-tense references to Groucho and his brothers--through much of the book it sounds as if they are still alive--would have eliminated some confusion. The last 50 or so pages, exhaustively describing the battle over conservatorship of the ailing star's estate, include an overzealous thrashing of Erin Fleming, Groucho's companion during his last seven years, whom the author describes as a gold digger who tried to alienate Groucho from his family and friends to gain control of his finances. Groucho is portrayed as an eccentric and inconsistent father who was at turns generous and tightfisted, loving and aloof. Abundant Groucho-esque quotes and anecdotes about Groucho's close but volatile relationship with his brothers provide insight into a complex personality. Photos. (Feb.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

Updating and adding 13 chapters to his 1954 biography, Life with Groucho ( LJ 12/15/54), the ad-lib master's son provides an abundance of amusing anecdotes and episodes from the full life of his unpredictable father. Fuel for a small fire is inherent in Arthur's contention that his anarchic uncles' switch from Paramount to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer for 1935's A Night at the Opera and subsequent films was salutary. Cineastes detect only structured lunacy under producer Thalberg and studio head Mayer. Profusely illustrated and necessary for the performing arts subsection labeled ``Marx Bros.''--or humor, vaudeville, Broadway, film, radio, and TV collections.-- Kim Holston, American Inst. for Property and Liability Underwriters, Malvern, Pa . (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.