Unabridged Audiobook
This work of Lee Siegel is an excellent break down of the comic evolution of the 3 main Marx brothers (Groucho, Harpo and Chico). The rugged upbringing of the 3 (Zeppo and Gummo had their trail blazed) gives an understandable context to the characters that emerge on the screen in the 1930s. Their antics are not that far removed from their personalities based on their experiences. Especially illuminating is the Groucho dominated theme of "Jewish self-deprecation" - which is sad and funny at the same time. While journeying through this book, I surfed YouTube and ran across an interview of Groucho with Dick Cavett. During the interview, Cavett informs Groucho that his former New York neighborhood has been torn down - at which Groucho immediately responds "That's not by coincidence." This is a worthy listen.
~~tag-text~~