Susan Fleming Marx talks about Harpo in an interview recorded in 2001. Visit www.speakingofharpo.com Susan Fleming, Susan Marx, The Marx Brothers, Harpo Marx
I was a Cub Scout in the 1950’s, and a schoolmate of Jimmy Marx, one of Harpo’s boys. We were in the same scout den, and our weekly den meetings were at Harpo’s house (the one with a full-size harp in the living room). Our Den Mother was Susan Marx. The meetings were after school, so we were given refreshments. Other Cub dens were given soda. Not us. Susan only gave us fruit nectar to drink probably because that’s what she gave her own kids. She was way ahead of the nutrition curve. I’d never had fruit nectar before-it was delicious and all the guys gladly consumed it. Susan was a great Den Mother and we were crazy about her-a beautiful person in every way.” She must have been special for me to remember her from my boyhood 70 years ago. These days, I can’t remember what I had for lunch 2 hours ago.
When I was 13 my family moved in the summer to a new state. I didn't know a soul and was bored sitting around the house all day. My mother said they were having a Marx Brothers film festival at the local theater and asked if I wanted to go. It started at 9:00 in the morning and lasted until midnight. It was me and an eighty year old man that sat about seven rows behind me. He asked me if I liked the Marx Brothers and I told him I did and I listed all the movies I had seen . After three movies there was a 15 minute intermission. When I came back to my seat, it was loaded with candy, a full box of popcorn and a large Coca-cola. The projectionist said the elderly man had purchased all of it, placed it on my seat and told him to make sure I got it and that he was impressed with me and my knowledge of Marx Brothers movies. That was over 50 years ago.
Harpo and the Algonquin Round Table is a story in itself, the famously mute comedian exchanging witticisms with the best and brightest of the NY stage and media, including his friend Wolcott.
By all accounts, the Harpo/Susan household was a delightfully happy one. There are interviews on TH-cam with one of the sons about his Dad and are well worth watching. Apparently Harpo never lost his very strong New Yawk accent.
@@shimmeringfairydust3275 Among the insights you get from the book is that the Marx Brothers, no matter how zany they were on stage and screen, they were often crazier in real life. I especially loved the rules Harpo set for his house. It may not be the most conventional way to raise kids, but he had four happy, successful, and well-adjusted kids anyhow.
I had a massive crush on Harpo when I was a teen :) I'm glad he married such a kind, fun, and down-to-Earth beauty like Susan. She seems like someone I would be so proud to have as a friend.
Susan Marx was class head to toe yes you would have loved her I loved those beautiful people Harpo Susan Bill Alex Jimmy Minnie all of them great down to earth people
I met Susan Marx in 1993 also. I worked at a photo lab in Cathedral City and this elderly woman came in with a folder of old BW photos she wanted copies of. Many of the photos were of her as well as all of the Marx Bros. I didn't have any idea who she was and since most of the photos had copyrights. I told her that I couldn't copy them because of that. Well, Susan let me know who she was and that those were her photos. I told her that I've always been a fan of the Marx brothers and that I would go ahead and accept the total job. Susan was very elegant ( she was all dressed up even a fur stole) and once we spoke some more, she kind of warmed up. Her return visit was even better, we spoke for a good half hour. I had found out some about her career in film.
Too bad we don't have Harpo around now. The world needs cheering up and having a great laugh. I would love to see the Marx Brothers take a poke at the politicians of today.
I live in Sweden and work as a teacher at a leisure center. For some, some kids ages 6-8 asked me what I thought was funny and laughed at. I answered the Marx Brothers. They then of course asked "who?" so then I showed them some clips on TH-cam from "Duck Soup", "A Night At The Opera", "Horse Feathers" and "Monkey Business". The children laughed so hard they fell off their chairs.
I raised my son and daughter on their movies. They can quote lines now. They were the greatest, no doubt. That's so great what you did with the kids, fantastic!
I have never heard anything but good things about Harpo. Everybody loved him. One of my favorites stories came from Groucho's daughter, who would spend a lot of time with Harpo and Susan when her parents' marriage fell apart and there was a lot of tension at home. She said she was always welcome at her uncle's home.
Harpo’s birth name was Adolph, which he disliked all through his childhood. He changed it around 1911 to Arthur. He is my favorite Marx Brother. I listen to his harp music often to relax. It never fails to bring a smile and a tear. Beautiful man.
Groucho's daughter said that as a youngster growing up she would have liked to have lived with Harpo and his family because their was so much love, caring, kindness and laughter in that household. Groucho she said was a devoted father but he was not successful in the women he chose to be in relationships with. Harpo on the other hand picked a winner in his life mate Susan.
As a child, I idolized Harpo - so I was thrilled when I was told that my mother was typing up the manuscript for his autobiography, "Harpo Speaks." After the book was published, Harpo sent her an autographed copy along with a very kind, personal thank-you note. (Unfortunately, she later loaned the book to a neighbor, who "lost" it - so it was never returned.)
In this short little excerpt, Susan Fleming Marx mentioned that she had no talent. I beg to differ, but when you compare yourself to greats like WC Fields, I can see why she would think that. Groucho loved his brothers and their families. It has been said many times. She mentioned that Groucho thought that she was "good for Harpo (whatever that meant)". You can clearly see the love and loyalty she had for Harpo. That's what Groucho meant. How could someone that selfless and real ever get into Hollywood?
Ordered the book and will receive it as a BD gift from my dear friend in 10 days! Can't wait to read it, although I have read so much on the Brothers. I am looking forward to Susan's version of events during the time she met and was married to him.
"Million Dollar Legs" is one of the funniest movies ever made, a satire that works even better today than when it was released in 1932. And Susan Fleming's performance is a real standout among a cast which includes W.C. Fields, Jack Oakie, Hugh Herbert, and Andy Clyde.
Back in the late '80's our uni's film club presented a free showing of "A Day at the Races". The auditorium was filled beyond capacity and the overflow had to sit in the aisleways. As you might expect from those who are at a rebellious and rabble-rousing stage in life, the film's humor, dialogue, and action were _much_ appreciated -- loudly and often. For some reason though, one particular scene elicited a huge cheer, one that I joined in: It was when Harpo ripped out the destroyed piano's iron frame with the strings still attached, then began playing it as one would a harp. I think I know why a bunch of stressed-out college students cheered what Harpo had done; I won't go into it here. But our reaction made sense to me then, and it still does.
I think Harpo made a great decision in going through life with Susan Fleming. You can see her sincerity even in movies like "Million Dollar Legs" where she happens to be funny and truly serious at the same time. I'm sure it was that intelligence and unpretentiousness that hooked him. I did read "Harpo Speaks", and you could tell that Arthur (Adolph) was a fellow who had to make peace with a tumultuous and most eccentric upbringing, which he did with a full heart.
How nice to see this a book written about Susan Fleming Marx. I'm so pleased she's come into the limelight. I read Harpo Speaks many years ago and he obviously adored her (and their children). They were wonderful parents and a perfect couple. Now both together again.
Mrs. Marx states that the Marx Brothers were strange men but very close , A very true statement in just about why they were successful . At the same time she sensed never to show any jealousy or interference in their relationship in this she was a very astute wife for Harpo .
I've studied the Marx Brothers in great depth. Susan's viewpoint will have to rank amongst the best of written works. How could anyone not love Harpo? An honest opinion of the others will be so welcomed! I need to order a copy immediately.
These guys, the Marx Brothers made my life so much funnier.. my friends and I loved getting together to enjoy their movies. I still love watching them. Thank you for sharing this with us.
@Sooz - What was your favorite Marx Brothers movie ? I know that the general consensus has been Night At The Opera. But for me it was always Duck Soup. Hail Freedonia.
I like Day at the Races for the 'tootsie frootsie' scene, the madcap 'examination' of Margaret Dumont, and the jitterbug dancers.......... but I also like Night in Casablanca for the best Harpo harp solo and Chico's expression as he farts near the end of his musical bit, after bouncing up and down with the Chico Marx band. I thought Chico was just smugly showing off, playing one handed while scratching his ass........ till I read in Harpo Speaks that he had farted, was flapping the seat of his pants, and looking around behind him to see if any of the band was knocked unconscious ! The sound system did not record the fart, so that take made it into the film, but just knowing what was really happening at the time makes the movie far more enjoyable for me. Go back and watch it again with new understanding !
That closing harp gag, with Harpo's fingers twisted and knotted, and his face buldging apart... so perfect, so exquisite. That small scene, along with W. C. Field's pool-cue failing (from "the Honest John" skit) and so wonderful.
I just received the book today, and am already half way through: I had to stop reading in order to save myself a little more pleasure later: it's a finely-written book - a credit to Susan Fleming Marx and to her co-writer. Buy it!
I found myself grinning throughout this video. It's lovely. I like knowing Harpo was a mensch. And that he and Susan were so happy together. Thank you for this. I'm off to find your book. :-) PS Bought the book and it's swell. Sent it to my Mother who absolutely loves it, too.
I was like 30 yrs old before I knew Harpo could speak and was very witty! Of course the Marx Bros were already Starz when my momma was born! Have always loved them as entertainers! Still enjoy them today on u tube and I'm damn near 70!
What a lovely film. I read the book as soon as it came out. One of the best of the Marx Brothers books. You feel like you know Susan (and Harpo) so well after reading it. She’s so matter-of-fact. The author and narrator of this video, Robert Bader, also wrote another great book about the Marx Brothers, “Four of the Three Musketeers: The Marx Brothers on Stage.”
When everything you believed was was genuinely good turns out to be not true, it’s great to hear harpo and his wife was for real, and happy-makes me feel a little happier rip
Funny I was thinking of Harpo Marx today and low and behold this appears in my viewing queue. I saw their films as a child. About a year ago TCM showed "A Night At The Opera". It was almost dreamlike in a few scenes. Amazing.
My father, born in 1933, was a Marx Bros. nut. I stumbled upon a book at Duthie's in Vancouver, BC, titled The Lost Marx Bros. Radio Show (not sure if that's exactly right) and gave a copy to my father for his birthday. He was a tough guy to buy anything for, but he read and reread that book until he just about wore it out. He learned a lot about the Marx Bros. and where their routines came from by reading that book. It was one of the few things we got right between us.
I was crazy about the Marx brothers in the 1970s as a teenager. In Chicago they ran a Marx Brothers movie every Friday at midnight. I read Harpo's Autobiography back then and loved his stories of his teen years. I believe he is the most beloved actor ever. Only wanting to bring joy and laughter to the world. God bless Harpo and Susan.
I remember showing people in other countries our classics. Their jaws were agape at the talents of the Marx brothers. There is no talent in our modern movies, only hype, and CGI. 😢
There are SOME talented folks and comics, but yes---mainly from films at least 10 years and more ago. The Marx Brothers learned their craft doing about a million live shows in vaudeville----the world has fundamentally changed since those days. sigh.
@@stardust949 Ever read about the grueling life vaudevillians lived, if you could call that living? Easy for you to sigh over the demise of that abusive existence.
@@653j521 - They did .. what they loved to do more than anything else. And they brought joy to millions of lives. To love what you do .. and to make a difference.... what better life than that??
I beg to differ here. He WAS talented, obviously, but more than Chico, who could play the piano like nobody I have ever seen? I think not. (I am biased, tho, as Chico is my favorite Brother).
I remember seeing the picture of Harpo and his beautiful wife. I’m so happy they had a good life filled with love and happiness. Susan seemed to be a very nice person. If Groucho treated her with respect you just know she was!
According to Harpo, from his autobiography "Harpo Speaks", he found out after the fact that Susan asked to be seated next to Harpo at that dinner and they had met before - she reminded him about it - and she was the one that wanted to get married. Great read btw.
Susan marx, you looked so gorgeous in the movies. Your acting was fantastic too. Ashame you felt like you were no good in the movies. I will say it again, your beautiful.
meilleur acteur comédien harpo marx c'est un acteur de l'égende repose en paix harpo vous etes toujours dans nos coeur toi et zepo et grouch ( un passager algerien )
Received my copy through Amazon, and it is an excellent, excellent read! Well written and somewhat revealing about the brother interactions. Many detail that others have "politely" skipped over, yet giving depth to the relationship and and how each brother viewed his personal place in the family. My take is that Gummo comes off sorely - which is a first in my reading. Gummo advised a heart operation and Harpo did what Gummo advised. Gummo was the most solid of the five. Zeppo, as well, comes off as somewhat cold and serpentine; able to change his direction of operation in blink. Groucho comes off much better than I expected. Chico is loved, but Susan puts him well in his place. Chico is a great character, warm, but of little real personal closeness. There are many book devoted to the Marx Brother, some are really good, and some are junk. This one ranks at the top of "the best" list. Both Susan and her co-author are fair, intelligent, and confirm so much that can be cross-matched with biographies of Woolcott and others. If you are a Marxist or just need to know what made Harpo the loved man he will be in eternity, read this book.
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I was a Cub Scout in the 1950’s, and a schoolmate of Jimmy Marx, one of Harpo’s boys. We were in the same scout den, and our weekly den meetings were at Harpo’s house (the one with a full-size harp in the living room). Our Den Mother was Susan Marx. The meetings were after school, so we were given refreshments. Other Cub dens were given soda. Not us. Susan only gave us fruit nectar to drink probably because that’s what she gave her own kids. She was way ahead of the nutrition curve. I’d never had fruit nectar before-it was delicious and all the guys gladly consumed it. Susan was a great Den Mother and we were crazy about her-a beautiful person in every way.” She must have been special for me to remember her from my boyhood 70 years ago. These days, I can’t remember what I had for lunch 2 hours ago.
What a lovely memory! Thanks for sharing!
Probably ham and swiss... I enjoyed your story, truly great memories.
Thanks for sharing. It's not often enough in life that you get to meet such kind people.
God Bless you for Sharing, a Loveley story!!
Nice to know they were more of a normal fsmi3ly for the children.
When I was 13 my family moved in the summer to a new state. I didn't know a soul and was bored sitting around the house all day. My mother said they were having a Marx Brothers film festival at the local theater and asked if I wanted to go. It started at 9:00 in the morning and lasted until midnight. It was me and an eighty year old man that sat about seven rows behind me. He asked me if I liked the Marx Brothers and I told him I did and I listed all the movies I had seen . After three movies there was a 15 minute intermission. When I came back to my seat, it was loaded with candy, a full box of popcorn and a large Coca-cola. The projectionist said the elderly man had purchased all of it, placed it on my seat and told him to make sure I got it and that he was impressed with me and my knowledge of Marx Brothers movies. That was over 50 years ago.
I was Harpo one Halloween. I never spoke while trick or treating, I just honked my horn and made hand gestures. Best costume ever in my life.
I went as Groucho. Spent weeks to get the lines down from A night at the opera.
i went at Groucho last halloween n im female but pulled it off quite well
Fun!
Good for you to honor Harpo in that way
Omg I was Harpo as well!!! I looked great, but I wouldn't shut up long enough to really get into character. 🤣
Harpo was one of the most loved people of the twentieth century, and Susan was the perfect life companion for him.
Harpo and the Algonquin Round Table is a story in itself, the famously mute comedian exchanging witticisms with the best and brightest of the NY stage and media, including his friend Wolcott.
By all accounts, the Harpo/Susan household was a delightfully happy one. There are interviews on TH-cam with one of the sons about his Dad and are well worth watching. Apparently Harpo never lost his very strong New Yawk accent.
The book “Harpo Speaks!” is wonderful.
@@shimmeringfairydust3275 Among the insights you get from the book is that the Marx Brothers, no matter how zany they were on stage and screen, they were often crazier in real life.
I especially loved the rules Harpo set for his house. It may not be the most conventional way to raise kids, but he had four happy, successful, and well-adjusted kids anyhow.
@@winstonelston5743 good points!
I had a massive crush on Harpo when I was a teen :) I'm glad he married such a kind, fun, and down-to-Earth beauty like Susan. She seems like someone I would be so proud to have as a friend.
when you were teen in the 1800s
@@GenyaArikado Nice, stupid comment, Gen.
Susan Marx was class head to toe yes you would have loved her I loved those beautiful people Harpo Susan Bill Alex Jimmy Minnie all of them great down to earth people
I met Susan Marx in 1993 also. I worked at a photo lab in Cathedral City and this elderly woman came in with a folder of old BW photos she wanted copies of. Many of the photos were of her as well as all of the Marx Bros. I didn't have any idea who she was and since most of the photos had copyrights. I told her that I couldn't copy them because of that. Well, Susan let me know who she was and that those were her photos. I told her that I've always been a fan of the Marx brothers and that I would go ahead and accept the total job.
Susan was very elegant ( she was all dressed up even a fur stole) and once we spoke some more, she kind of warmed up. Her return visit was even better, we spoke for a good half hour. I had found out some about her career in film.
Too bad we don't have Harpo around now. The world needs cheering up and having a great laugh. I would love to see the Marx Brothers take a poke at the politicians of today.
They would probably be "cancelled" by today's woke culture.
Dean Morrow At least we have the videos of his work. We can enjoy that!😁🙏
The "woke" folk would scream and pitch a fit and call them "racists" for having a sense of humor!!!!!!!
@@Deutschie Why do you say such mean things? Let's remember a man who didn't say mean things.
@@stardust949 You really are horrible.
I live in Sweden and work as a teacher at a leisure center. For some, some kids ages 6-8 asked me what I thought was funny and laughed at. I answered the Marx Brothers. They then of course asked "who?" so then I showed them some clips on TH-cam from "Duck Soup", "A Night At The Opera", "Horse Feathers" and "Monkey Business".
The children laughed so hard they fell off their chairs.
Wonderful!
I raised my son and daughter on their movies. They can quote lines now. They were the greatest, no doubt. That's so great what you did with the kids, fantastic!
I have never heard anything but good things about Harpo. Everybody loved him. One of my favorites stories came from Groucho's daughter, who would spend a lot of time with Harpo and Susan when her parents' marriage fell apart and there was a lot of tension at home. She said she was always welcome at her uncle's home.
Groucho's daughter said the only time she ever saw Groucho cry was when Harpo died.
That’s lovely.
i saw that too
Susan did have talent
The talent to love Harpo,her children and her grandchildren
And to love all those who loved her back
she gave up her career to start a family and done a rather good job in the process and she seemed a lovely lovely woman
She was lovely actress in her own right
What a nice lady. RIP Susan, and Arthur.
Harpo’s birth name was Adolph, which he disliked all through his childhood. He changed it around 1911 to Arthur. He is my favorite Marx Brother. I listen to his harp music often to relax. It never fails to bring a smile and a tear. Beautiful man.
@@mchapman132 That works for me M.
Groucho's daughter said that as a youngster growing up she would have liked to have lived with Harpo and his family because their was so much love, caring, kindness and laughter in that household. Groucho she said was a devoted father but he was not successful in the women he chose to be in relationships with. Harpo on the other hand picked a winner in his life mate Susan.
As a boy I loved to watch the Marx Brothers. They were magic.
"Harpo Speaks" is still one of my favorite books.
As a child, I idolized Harpo - so I was thrilled when I was told that my mother was typing up the manuscript for his autobiography, "Harpo Speaks." After the book was published, Harpo sent her an autographed copy along with a very kind, personal thank-you note. (Unfortunately, she later loaned the book to a neighbor, who "lost" it - so it was never returned.)
Because he Learned to keep his mouth shut
Ouch! Naughty neighbor.
My mom and I read the book. It was special ordered from one library to our local library. Great book.
It’s nice to hear that Harpo was such a kind person.
Thanks. This was great. People in Hollywood today can't hold a candle to the greats from the Golden Era of Movies!
There Are a
few that dew😊🎉
In this short little excerpt, Susan Fleming Marx mentioned that she had no talent. I beg to differ, but when you compare yourself to greats like WC Fields, I can see why she would think that.
Groucho loved his brothers and their families. It has been said many times. She mentioned that Groucho thought that she was "good for Harpo (whatever that meant)". You can clearly see the love and loyalty she had for Harpo. That's what Groucho meant. How could someone that selfless and real ever get into Hollywood?
Harpo was a mensch. His memory is a blessing.
Mrs. Marx was so beautiful. She and Harpo were meant for each other.
I read “Harpo Speaks” a while back and it’s fascinating. I’m surprised it hasn’t been made into a moving, Truly an incredible story and life.
This JUST showed up in my YT recommendations. Now I know what to tell a dear friend what to give me for my birthday! Love me some Harpo.
Ordered the book and will receive it as a BD gift from my dear friend in 10 days! Can't wait to read it, although I have read so much on the Brothers. I am looking forward to Susan's version of events during the time she met and was married to him.
I'll put this book next to "Hello, I Must Be Going!" Thank-You Susan. May You and Harpo Rest In Eternal Peace.
"Million Dollar Legs" is one of the funniest movies ever made, a satire that works even better today than when it was released in 1932. And Susan Fleming's performance is a real standout among a cast which includes W.C. Fields, Jack Oakie, Hugh Herbert, and Andy Clyde.
Back in the late '80's our uni's film club presented a free showing of "A Day at the Races". The auditorium was filled beyond capacity and the overflow had to sit in the aisleways. As you might expect from those who are at a rebellious and rabble-rousing stage in life, the film's humor, dialogue, and action were _much_ appreciated -- loudly and often. For some reason though, one particular scene elicited a huge cheer, one that I joined in: It was when Harpo ripped out the destroyed piano's iron frame with the strings still attached, then began playing it as one would a harp. I think I know why a bunch of stressed-out college students cheered what Harpo had done; I won't go into it here. But our reaction made sense to me then, and it still does.
I think Harpo made a great decision in going through life with Susan Fleming. You can see her sincerity even in movies like "Million Dollar Legs" where she happens to be funny and truly serious at the same time. I'm sure it was that intelligence and unpretentiousness that hooked him. I did read "Harpo Speaks", and you could tell that Arthur (Adolph) was a fellow who had to make peace with a tumultuous and most eccentric upbringing, which he did with a full heart.
How nice to see this a book written about Susan Fleming Marx. I'm so pleased she's come into the limelight. I read Harpo Speaks many years ago and he obviously adored her (and their children). They were wonderful parents and a perfect couple. Now both together again.
The book is by Susan, she's the author.
Mrs. Marx states that the Marx Brothers were strange men but very close , A very true statement in just about why they were successful . At the same time she sensed never to show any jealousy or interference in their relationship in this she was a very astute wife for Harpo .
I look forward very much to putting a copy of this book next to Harpo Speaks on my bookshelf, in pride of place. How wonderful!
Do you also have Son of Harpo Speaks by Bill Marx?
@@texasmimi5566 Not yet, but I'm going to buy it.
I recommend "The Grouchophile"
@@masercot I'll check it out. Thanks!
Harpo Speaks is a terrific book and shows what a truly interesting and lovely (and funny) man he was.
She was GORGEOUS. They were both blessed to have found each other.
She was very beautiful and looked great in her old age.
It's a lovely book. I'm reading it slowly, because I want it to last. I'll hate to reach the end.
I felt that way about Harpo Speaks.
@@kirnpu ditto!
I've studied the Marx Brothers in great depth. Susan's viewpoint will have to rank amongst the best of written works. How could anyone not love Harpo? An honest opinion of the others will be so welcomed!
I need to order a copy immediately.
These guys, the Marx Brothers made my life so much funnier.. my friends and I loved getting together to enjoy their movies. I still love watching them. Thank you for sharing this with us.
@Sooz - What was your favorite Marx Brothers movie ? I know that the general consensus has been Night At The Opera. But for me it was always Duck Soup. Hail Freedonia.
I like Day at the Races for the 'tootsie frootsie' scene, the madcap 'examination' of Margaret Dumont, and the jitterbug dancers.......... but I also like Night in Casablanca for the best Harpo harp solo and Chico's expression as he farts near the end of his musical bit, after bouncing up and down with the Chico Marx band. I thought Chico was just smugly showing off, playing one handed while scratching his ass........ till I read in Harpo Speaks that he had farted, was flapping the seat of his pants, and looking around behind him to see if any of the band was knocked unconscious ! The sound system did not record the fart, so that take made it into the film, but just knowing what was really happening at the time makes the movie far more enjoyable for me. Go back and watch it again with new understanding !
I have ALWAYS Loved the Marx Brothers.Thank You so much for this piece.
I live this lady. I always wanted a man like Harpo, he was my favorite
I have always heard that Harpo was a sweet and tender hearted person.
That closing harp gag, with Harpo's fingers twisted and knotted, and his face buldging apart... so perfect, so exquisite. That small scene, along with W. C. Field's pool-cue failing (from "the Honest John" skit) and so wonderful.
Lovely interview! I always liked Harpo the best of them all! 🙏🏻❤️
I just received the book today, and am already half way through: I had to stop reading in order to save myself a little more pleasure later: it's a finely-written book - a credit to Susan Fleming Marx and to her co-writer. Buy it!
Always loved the Marx Brothers! Harpo was my favorite. I watch their movies every New Year's Eve. Such fun!
I've waited soooooo long for this. THANK YOU!!!
A beautiful, self deprecating woman. Godspeed.
Susan Fleming, great family and Harpo plays beautiful harp makes me happy and laugh,
What a beautiful woman she was. 🎉 It appeared they had a wonderful marriage. Thank you for posting! ❤
I found myself grinning throughout this video. It's lovely. I like knowing Harpo was a mensch. And that he and Susan were so happy together. Thank you for this. I'm off to find your book. :-)
PS Bought the book and it's swell. Sent it to my Mother who absolutely loves it, too.
I have no idea how I came across this but it was charming and interesting and I’m glad I did.
I was like 30 yrs old before I knew Harpo could speak and was very witty! Of course the Marx Bros were already Starz when my momma was born! Have always loved them as entertainers! Still enjoy them today on u tube and I'm damn near 70!
I love the man with all my heart 💕. What else can I say?('Harpo Speaks')
It is rare to see an entertainer live the same loveable personality even when not in front of an audience.
Totally absolutely sensational. Enjoyed every second of this!
Yes me too.
What a lovely film. I read the book as soon as it came out. One of the best of the Marx Brothers books. You feel like you know Susan (and Harpo) so well after reading it. She’s so matter-of-fact. The author and narrator of this video, Robert Bader, also wrote another great book about the Marx Brothers, “Four of the Three Musketeers: The Marx Brothers on Stage.”
All I can say (outside of laughing my butt off after seeing Harpo pretend his fingers got stuck in the harp!) Awesome!!!!!!
I preorder my copy a long while ago - and it should be here soon. I look forward being lost in this new gift of insight and stories.
When everything you believed was was genuinely good turns out to be not true, it’s great to hear harpo and his wife was for real, and happy-makes me feel a little happier rip
Funny I was thinking of Harpo Marx today and low and behold this appears in my viewing queue. I saw their films as a child. About a year ago TCM showed "A Night At The Opera". It was almost dreamlike in a few scenes. Amazing.
What a cool thing to hear from the wife of Harpo … I watched the Marx Bros. since I was a very young girl. Many memories of each one.
My father, born in 1933, was a Marx Bros. nut. I stumbled upon a book at Duthie's in Vancouver, BC, titled The Lost Marx Bros. Radio Show (not sure if that's exactly right) and gave a copy to my father for his birthday. He was a tough guy to buy anything for, but he read and reread that book until he just about wore it out. He learned a lot about the Marx Bros. and where their routines came from by reading that book. It was one of the few things we got right between us.
Even in her old age, Susan Marx still carries the beauty and charm of her younger self. RIP Susan and Harpo Marx!.
I was crazy about the Marx brothers in the 1970s as a teenager. In Chicago they ran a Marx Brothers movie every Friday at midnight. I read Harpo's Autobiography back then and loved his stories of his teen years. I believe he is the most beloved actor ever. Only wanting to bring joy and laughter to the world. God bless Harpo and Susan.
I remember showing people in other countries our classics. Their jaws were agape at the talents of the Marx brothers.
There is no talent in our modern movies, only hype, and CGI. 😢
You said it, brother!
There are SOME talented folks and comics, but yes---mainly from films at least 10 years and more ago. The Marx Brothers learned their craft doing about a million live shows in vaudeville----the world has fundamentally changed since those days. sigh.
@@stardust949 Ever read about the grueling life vaudevillians lived, if you could call that living? Easy for you to sigh over the demise of that abusive existence.
There is talent. I don't know what is wrong with your entertainment choices not to know that.
@@653j521 - They did .. what they loved to do more than anything else. And they brought joy to millions of lives. To love what you do .. and to make a difference.... what better life than that??
So very interesting thank you for sharing!!
I liked Harpo best. I even had a pet rabbit named Harpo because the bunny liked Harp music.
A shining moment in every Marx Bros. film is Harpo playing the harp. So skillful and moving. He was a great artist.
I always loved the Marx Brothers and Harpo was my favorite.....this statement confirms my young perception!
Wonderful interview......thanks for posting. Susan Fleming was such a lovely lady.
There is newsreel footage from the early 1930s of Harpo talking. He had a deep voice, with a New York accent.
I'm reading it now. Fascinating!
Harpo was a comic and musical genius and the most talented Marx Brother...
I beg to differ here. He WAS talented, obviously, but more than Chico, who could play the piano like nobody I have ever seen? I think not. (I am biased, tho, as Chico is my favorite Brother).
@@texasmimi5566 Harpo could play 14 instruments
@@texasmimi5566 th-cam.com/video/YudVOMdrGJ4/w-d-xo.html
@@texasmimi5566 Atsa some joke eh boss
This made me cry and smile They really loved each other God I hope they are together again 4 ever in paradise and happiness lol ❤️🍀🌹🙏
This is part of our history people… thanks
when comedy was still comedy and a gag was a good laugh, those were the days. our parents and grand parents loved, god bless them all
I remember seeing the picture of Harpo and his beautiful wife. I’m so happy they had a good life filled with love and happiness. Susan seemed to be a very nice person. If Groucho treated her with respect you just know she was!
The single greatest autobiography I have ever read was "Harpo Speaks", by Harpo Marx
That was really interesting. "He liked people to be cheerful."
What a simply lovely lady.
May she rest in peace.
I've been reading her book this week. Excellent.
I am getting the book. It should arrive any day.
Pure Vaudeville,
An 800 year old tradition,
When it died,
They put it in a box,
And called it TV.
Thank you Susan,
You are a gem.
God bless you.
I have quite literally heard "Where's Vaudeville?" in recent years.
According to Harpo, from his autobiography "Harpo Speaks", he found out after the fact that Susan asked to be seated next to Harpo at that dinner and they had met before - she reminded him about it - and she was the one that wanted to get married. Great read btw.
The book was titled "Harpo Speaks!"
She seems like a great actress to me.
Excellent! Thank you so much!
Lol, "What do you do here in Beverly Hills?"
"Usually pack for Palm Springs."
She was gorgeous
Susan marx, you looked so gorgeous in the movies. Your acting was fantastic too. Ashame you felt like you were no good in the movies. I will say it again, your beautiful.
I love this. Thanks for uploading
Thanks for doing this, Robert!
Sweet Harpo, I'm grateful for this interview. Thank you.
"We were always silly"
Now that's some relationship goals right there
Serious relationship goals!
Thank you so much👍
Wonderful video!
Beautiful - Thank you!
Just Sweet as hell. People like this don't exist anymore.
Very enlightening, Harpo was my favourite and I enjoyed their films immensely as a child and young adult.
What a lovely, insightful video. I think I'll buy the book thanks!
meilleur acteur comédien harpo marx c'est un acteur de l'égende repose en paix harpo vous etes toujours dans nos coeur toi et zepo et grouch ( un passager algerien )
My Father Fred Katz did a beautiful album called Harpo in hi fi and i knew Harpos family lovely people
Some of these so called stars of today should take a page out of her book. “I had no Talent” followed by I’m a realist. Sweet young and cute lady.
One thing they don't tell you is that the book title is a reference to the title of Harpo's autobiography, "Harpo Speaks."
Received my copy through Amazon, and it is an excellent, excellent read! Well written and somewhat revealing about the brother interactions. Many detail that others have "politely" skipped over, yet giving depth to the relationship and and how each brother viewed his personal place in the family. My take is that Gummo comes off sorely - which is a first in my reading. Gummo advised a heart operation and Harpo did what Gummo advised. Gummo was the most solid of the five. Zeppo, as well, comes off as somewhat cold and serpentine; able to change his direction of operation in blink. Groucho comes off much better than I expected. Chico is loved, but Susan puts him well in his place. Chico is a great character, warm, but of little real personal closeness.
There are many book devoted to the Marx Brother, some are really good, and some are junk. This one ranks at the top of "the best" list. Both Susan and her co-author are fair, intelligent, and confirm so much that can be cross-matched with biographies of Woolcott and others.
If you are a Marxist or just need to know what made Harpo the loved man he will be in eternity, read this book.
Wonderful. Thank you.
Very humble lady, unlike the big heads today.