By “Gordo” Durich
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 7/19/25 – The Brothers Marx-Groucho, Harpo, Chico and not forgetting Gummo enjoy an enduring following and remain comic favorites. The “legends of laughter,” as so aptly described, are being celebrated in an exciting new exhibition with the same name, at the Hollywood Museum. “The Legends of Laughter: The Marx Brothers Exhibit with Family and Friends honors the 50 plus year career of the comic geniuses’ multi-media stature, from radio to television and of course film. The Highland Avenue Museum represents a unique and never-before mounted exhibit featuring original and screen costumes, props, as well as family photographs, film posters and fun memorabilia. Harpo (my favorite, don’t we all have a favorite Marx brother) is remembered in this exhibit with his iconic blond wig, harmonica and horn. There is even his signature trench coat. There’s also a collection of paintings by the artist Harpo. This extensive retrospective embraces props from Groucho Marx’s “You Bet Your Life” TV show and furnishings from his home and books from his personal library and autographed scripts.
Remember Chico’s hat? It’s there.
Opening night witnessed family members of the Marx Brothers speak including Bill Marx, son of Harpo; Greg Marx, grandson of Gummo; Jade Marx, Groucho’s granddaughter; Steve Stollar, author of the Bestseller “Raised Eyebrows” about Groucho, who was his assistant, along with comic and other TV and movie stars too numerous to mention. They included voice actor (Porky Pig etc.) Bob Bergen; Darby Hinton (Daniel Boone); Big Bang Theory’s Alice Amter and. Hollywood film historian Leonard Maltin and talk show host and journo Dick Cavett gave special messages. Donelle Dadigan, Hollywood Museum Founder and President of the museum said “We are excited to be able to make history, as we present this unique Marx Brothers Exhibit. I know when Marx Brothers fans from around the world come and visit The Hollywood Museum; they will have a rare and up-close opportunity to experience this exciting and new exhibit.”
I have fond boyhood memories of my dad, a mega Marx Bros. fan, and as an artist captured his favorite, Groucho in watercolor.
1660 N. Highland Ave. (at Hollywood Blvd.), Los Angeles, CA 90028
www.TheHollywoodMuseum.com 323.464.7776
