Friday, October 2, 2009

Celebrations for my Groucho



To celebrate the birthday my favorite Marx brother, and possibly my favorite man of all time, Groucho Marx (1890-1977), I will share some more alternative photos of him and his brothers. Let's all put on greasepaint moustaches, round glasses and smoke Havana cigars to honor the one, the only - "Groucho!"


Edward G. Robinson, Jane Wyman and Groucho. Anyone who knows the occasion?

Groucho and his daughter Melinda (b. 1946).

Re-inventing Dr. Hugo Z. Hackenbush.

With Erin Fleming and an honorary Oscar in 1974.


And now, Groucho and his brothers! (Or at least some of them):


The Marx family. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe that L-R is: Groucho, Gummo, mother Minnie, Zeppo, Father Sam, Chico and Harpo.

A slick Groucho in front of Harpo, Zeppo and Chico.

On the stage: Groucho, Zeppo, Harpo in his original red wig and a Chico painted to look like Edward G. Robinson.

Aren't they pretty? Groucho, Harpo, Chico and Zeppo "Hefner" Marx.

With proud father Sam "Frenchie" Marx to the right.

All five of them! L-R: Harpo, Zeppo, Chico, Groucho and Gummo.


And now to my recently found favorite pictures of the three famous brothers, from Life magazine. There is such a harmony in these photos, I love them.



And to finish this tribute off - A wallpaper of my own creation (16:10 - 1680x1050 px):

17 comments:

Diana. said...

Last satuday i went to see a play named "la verdadera historia de los Hermanos MArx" ("The real story of the Marx Brothers") in MAdrid: Very funny :)

Unknown said...

I never would have known that first picture was him!

Great pictures :)

I think I'll watch some You Bet Your Life tonight, I love that show!

Elizabeth said...

Love you as Groucho!

Lolita of the Classics said...

Diana:
Sounds interesting! Marx Brothers in Spanish ;)

Kate G:
Handsome chap, right? Do that! I have only four episodes on a DVD, I'm thinking about buying an entire box set of that show!

Elizabeth:
Haha, thanks! I'm quite surprised that noone else mentioned it yet... ;)

Matthew Coniam said...

You cheated! Just drawing on a photo doesn't count!! I want to see you really made up to look like the great man!!!

And a very happy birthday, Julius!

Unknown said...

Nice collection of pictures, but I agree with Matthew--only real greasepaint and cigar will do!

Unknown said...

Thanks for the post! These photos were great. I heard a rumor once that Zeppo did a fantastic Groucho impersonation. As a result there was an intense rivalry between Zeppo and Groucho because Zeppo was a superior comedian and Groucho felt threatened... Any truth in it as far as you know?

Lolita of the Classics said...

Matthew Coniam AND David C:
Damn it! Now I must accept your challenge! I'll have to go buy a cigar and give you evidence that you can count on me!

Meredith L. Grau:
You're welcome! As far as I know, that's only a rumor. All Marx brothers often noted that Zeppo actually was the funniest Marx brother of the whole bunch - he just wasn't as interested in making movies as the others. I recommend you to read Groucho's and Harpo's autobiographies ("Groucho and Me" and "Harpo Speaks!") for some entertaining stories about Zeppo!

Jorgé said...

Happy Birthday Groucho!!! :D

Underneath that greasepaint mustache and glasses was a very handsome man, in my opinion. Such a beautiful selection of pictures you've displayed for us. It has always been a treat for me when I find a photo of the brothers out of costume, as it is quite a rare sight, so thank you.

I can honestly say, Groucho helped make me who I am today. He taught me something only a true legend of comedy could "Anybody can say something dirty and get a laugh, but say something clean and get a laugh, that requires a comedian." that may sound like nothing to some, but to me, it has become so dear and true to my heart.

Also, job well done with your take on Groucho in the photo. I think I shall celebrate by watching "Animal Crackers"!

Lolita of the Classics said...

Jorgé:
Thanks for your long comment!

Groucho was absolutely right. I have watched quite a few of his interviews, and he often return to that subject. Dirty humor is quite cheap (even if it sometimes is hilarious too, but maybe that's the child in me). Groucho made his dirty jokes with style, like my favorite You Bet Your Life remark to the woman with lots of kids. She motivated her large number of children with the love fir her husband, and he said "Well, I love my cigar, but I take it out once in a while." Dirty, but clean!

Watch Animal Crackers! I just re-watched Room Service ;)

Christopher said...

never seen the 2 LIFE fotos at the bottom...love seeing them look dapper..you look too cute as Groucho..I'd still probably ask you out ;o)

Lolita of the Classics said...

Christopher:
Oh Chris, you flatter me! ;)
By the way, why do men never ask women out anymore? Or have I just been one of the few never been asked out for a date? Feels like men nowadays could use a little more confidence, instead of always having to get drunk before they ask you "Eeerhh... do you come here often? My, what a nice décolletage!"
Maybe it's just Swedish men, I don't know :)

Christopher said...

I hate pick up lines..guys sound so retarded now when they try to approach a lady..its what keeps me away..I'm very flirty(its all in the eyes)..I find a girl whos looking at me and very calmly get up and go over and whisper loudly in her ear.."What the hell are you staring at BITCH?"...lol..no not really..My approach is show them how utterly silly I am and that theres nothing to be afraid of..I get coached by fred astaire..

Lolita of the Classics said...

Christopher:
HAHA! I really was suspecting something cheesy there - way to go! Show the women their right place! Haha. But seriously though, I think the charming approach is the best one, and making fun of one's flaws and imperfection. Fred Astaire IS a good role model!

Jerry said...

The Drag picture with Edward G is from a political fundraiser for FDR. And Zeppo did fill in for Groucho once. The story goes that Groucho was ill during the stage run of ANIMAL CRACKERS and Zeppo played Capt Spaulding. He did such a good job that Groucho came back to the show while still sick!
Thanks for the post! And Hooray for Captain Spaulding!

Lolita of the Classics said...

Jerry:
Oh, thanks for that info! About Zeppo I believe you're right, but his version of Spaulding didn't make it into the final cut!
Yes, hooray, hooray, hooray!

Unknown said...

Really Enjoyed the pictures of the Marx Brothers, their father Frenchie (he must have been so proud of them) + your comments. Good Job 👏.