a student; he never even completed second grade, and he never really had ambitions to be in show business. He did love music, and he dreamed of one day playing the piano on a gambling boat. Adolph’s mother, Minnie Marx, had different aspirations for her children. She knew how lucrative showbiz could be, her brother Al was part of the famous Gallagher and Shean, a popular vaudeville group. Minnie pushed her sons into the same career, teaching them everything they needed to know. Harpo never really protested; he quickly abandoned his dreams of a musical career, and followed his mother’s plans, though he never imagined that he would one day become one of the most well-known performers in vaudeville history.

     Like the rest of his brothers, Harpo began his career as a speaking performer, but he was soon forced into silence. Following an unfavorable review, Harpo’s uncle convinced him that people didn’t like

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