After watching a film starring the Marx Brothers, it might be hard to believe that the actors were actually, literally brothers. It seems more feasible that these men were simply involved in a comedy troupe and wanted to use matching last names as a way to more easily market themselves and convey a sense of comradely or togetherness. Concerns about the possibility of one family being responsible for so many great comedic talents, might also fuel the assumption that they were probably not related. Also, this practice of changing names or going by a uniform alias it not completely far fetched. For instance, the none of the Ramone's are actually related. However, "Marx" is not a fabricated stage name and these men were actually, biologically brothers.
The Marx brothers were born to European Immigrants. Their mother, who came to the United States from Germany was named Miene Schonberg. Their father, Simon Marx, was French. Miene and Simon met in New York City, were married and soon after began a family. Chico was the eldest, followed by Harpo, then Groucho and finally Zeppo (www.marx-brothers.org/biography/marxes.htm).
It's also somewhat difficult to believe that although the films produced by the Marx Brothers were obviously group efforts, only Groucho's persona seems to endure. His image, the man with the thick mustache, glasses and cigar, adorns many stand up comedy club backdrops and logos. This iconic image also seen on stand up comedy club websites (www.punchline.com). There is also a group of clubs in Florida named Groucho's Comedy Club (www.grouchocomedy.com).
Why is Groucho more closely associated with stand up comedy than his equally humorous brothers? It could be that stand up comedy is, to some extent, about words and Groucho is known for his snappy one liners and witty comments. Groucho's comedy is more verbal in nature. Either way, one would think that all the Marx Brothers, related in blood and comedic ability, would all equally be as synonymous with Stand Up Comedy and comedy in general.
No comments:
Post a Comment