TS Eliot and Groucho Marx

Groucho Marx and T.S. Eliot Were Pen Pals

A glimpse at the correspondence — and one awkward dinner — of the iconic Jewish comedian and the brilliant, anti-Semitic poet.

By Ted Mann

November 5, 2011

Lee Siegel commemorates a new volume of T.S. Eliot's collected letters by noting a series of exchanges that aren't included in the book: the missive exchanged by Eliot and Groucho Marx, two sharply different men fascinated with each other.

Groucho Marx / A Dog

A DOG

by Groucho Marx

Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read.

Grouch Marx / Television

Groucho Marx by Sciammarella

TELEVISION
by Groucho Marx

I must say that I find television very educational. The minute somebody turns it on, I go to the library and read a book.

Groucho Marx / Quote / Never

NEVER

by Groucho Marx

'I never forget a face, but in your case I’d be glad to make an exception.'