Some years back, after a childhood of preocupation with comedy that led me to observing the styles of all the great comedians, I came to the conclusion that Groucho Marx was the best comedian this country ever produced. Now I am more convinced than ever that I was right. I can't think of a comedian who combined a totally original physical conception that was hilarious with a matchless verbal delivery. I believe there is a natural inborn greatness in Groucho that defies close analysis as it does with any genuine artist. He is simply unique in the same way that Picasso or Stravinsky are, and I believe his outrageous unsentimental disregard for order will be equally as funny a thousand years from now. In addition to all this, he makes me laugh.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker praises Groucho Marx as a unique comedian with original physical and verbal delivery who will remain funny for centuries.
- In plain terms
- He says Groucho Marx is the greatest comedian and his humor will last forever.
- What can you take from it?
- True artistic greatness transcends time and analysis.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What makes comedy timeless?
- Why do artists matter?
Another view
It assumes humor does not age across centuries.
More from Groucho Marx
I've been around so long, I knew Doris Day before she was a virgin.
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Permalink to quote #148 It is better to have loft and lost than never to have loft at all.
Permalink to quote #145
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