Harpo Marx: Pantomimist and Comic Genius

Harpo Marx never spoke a word in the many movies he starred in alongside his brothers - Groucho, Chico, and Zeppo. He didn't have to. His actions and facial expressions spoke a thousand words as he chased beautiful women around, honking his horn. We laughed; but when he played his harp, we were reduced to tears amongst all that hilarity.

Harpo, the second eldest Marx brother, was born Adolph Marx on November 23, 1888 in New York City to Samuel "Frenchie" and Minnie Schoenberg Marx. He changed his name from German-sounding Adolph to Arthur in 1911 out of preference and had nothing to do with Adolph Hitler. He got his nickname 'Harpo' during a card game.

Ironically, Harpocrates is the god of silence in Greek mythology.

Mrs. Marx wanted her sons to become stars. In 1907, Groucho, and Gummo formed a singing group, 'The Three Nightingales,' with Mabel O'Donnell and were performing in vaudeville. The following year, Harpo joined them and the group's name was changed to 'The Four Nightingales.'

In 1912, the brothers became 'The Four Marx Brothers' consisting of Harpo, Groucho, Chico, and Gummo - it was then that their singing act transformed into madcap comedy.

Harpo Goes Silent:

Harpo made a successful career out pantomiming his parts, and had it not been for the sorry review he received, who knows how his acting career would have turned out.

Thinking back over his successful career, Harpo going silent was absolute genius, and it is owed to his uncle Al Shean who had failed to write any lines for Harpo in 'Home Again.'

Shean told Harpo he "...could add wonderful contrast to the act if I pantomime." This didn't sit well with Harpo and told his uncle, "To hell with that. I would ad lib all the lines I wanted to."

After appearing in Champaign, Illinois, he was the recipient of an unfavorable review about his speaking parts. Of course, he did get many favorable reviews for his pantomiming.

One review read as follows:

"The Marx Brother who plays 'Patsy Brannigan' is made up and costumed to a fare-thee-well and he takes off on an Irish immigrant most amusingly in pantomime. Unfortunately, the effect is spoiled when he speaks."

After reading the review, Harpo decided Shean was right, saying, "I simply couldn't outtalk Groucho and Chico, and it was ridiculous of me to try. It was a cruel blow to my pride nevertheless. When I announced to Minnie (his mother) that I would never speak another word onstage, she knew I had been hurt, and she looked at me with sorrow and sympathy. But she didn't say, 'Forget it - what does he know?' She said nothing."

There are at least three rare instances in which Harpo spoke while in character early on:

In the 1925 silent movie 'Too Many Kisses,' his words are read across the screen rather than heard when he said, "You sure you can't move?"

In 1936, Harpo attended the premier for 'The Great Ziegfeld.' Unaware the camera was rolling, Harpo was heard telling the M.C., "You gotta do the talking." When he was introduced, he stepped up to the mic and simply said, "Honk! Honk!"

In their 1939 movie, 'Monkey Business,' Harpo joined his brothers in singing 'Sweet Adeline.' Although Harpo can't be seen - the brothers played stowaways hiding out in barrels - they break out in a four-part harmony. Harpo's voice, a very pleasant baritone, can be heard as the brothers harmonize beautifully.

Much to the delight of fans, Harpo spoke during a farewell performance in 1964: "Now, as I was saying in 1907..."

Harpo Marx said it all without saying a word. The man was a genius:

Harpo Marx was a comedy genius. He spoke volumes without saying a word. Saturday's were spent watching old movies that often starred the Marx Brothers. Harpo always drew me in and kept me laughing, just as he did so many others. I was intrigued because this man never said a word - he ran around chasing the ladies, honking his horn, and utilizing all sorts of props that he kept in his old raincoat.

Harpo Marx died in 1964 following heart surgery at the age of 75. Although Harpo has been gone for many years, his legacy will live on forever.

Fun Fact about Harpo Marx: Harpo quit school when he was in the second grade. The boys in his class bullied him and threw him out the window three or four times a day. They did this one day and, instead of rushing back to class, he picked himself up, brushed himself off, and went home. He never did return to school. I'd say he didn't do too shabby for himself in life.

Want to know what Harpo Marx sounded like? Click here.

Sources:
Marx Brothers Fan and Researcher
Harpo Marx, Harpo Speaks! pg. 121
Harpo Marx - Biography, IMDb
Hear Harpo Talking!, Harpo Marx Tribute Site
www.harpomarx.net/harpotalkingbillintro.mp3