Zeppo: The Reluctant Marx Brother

Not much is known about Zeppo Marx, which is probably how he wanted it—but that all changes with this first full-length biography. The youngest of his much older theatrical siblings who made up the Marx Brothers, Zeppo (born Herbert Manfred Marx, 1901–79) was pushed into the family act to avoid truancy. Unable to develop a distinctive stage persona against his already famous brothers, Zeppo made five films with his brothers (including Monkey Business, Horse Feathers, and Duck Soup) but ultimately left the group at the height of their fame in 1933. Though he’s often characterized as the dullest of the group, this biography contends that the private Zeppo may have been the family’s most exciting and morally checkered member. His subsequent varied careers as an engineer and talent agent and constant dalliances with the criminal underworld expose a man forever striving to outdo his siblings’ successes and unfortunate excesses. Marx Brothers authority Bader (Four of the Three Musketeers) has done a remarkable job successfully uncovering the story of the unknown brother, revealing a genuinely complex character.

CORRECTION: This review originally gave the wrong middle name for Zeppo Marx; LJ regrets the error.