Claim OwnershipThe Marx Brothers Council Podcast
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© Copyright Matthew Coniam, Noah Diamond, Bob Gassel
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An insightful but not too serious look at the Marx Brothers films, careers, and lives from some guys who need to get out more.
Hosted by Matthew Coniam ("The Annotated Marx Brothers", "That's Me, Groucho!"), Noah Diamond ("Gimme a Thrill: The Story of I'll Say She Is") and Bob Gassel (he'll write a book someday...or perhaps read one). Featuring guest appearances by Marx experts, authors, notable fans, and even family members.
Inspired by 'The Marx Brothers Council' Facebook group. New episodes usually post monthly.
Check out our blog: marxbrotherscouncilpodcast.com
Follow us on Twitter: @MarxBrosPodcast
Join the lively discussion on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1389369721281242
...or contact us directly at: marxbrotherscouncilpodcast@gmail.com
Hosted by Matthew Coniam ("The Annotated Marx Brothers", "That's Me, Groucho!"), Noah Diamond ("Gimme a Thrill: The Story of I'll Say She Is") and Bob Gassel (he'll write a book someday...or perhaps read one). Featuring guest appearances by Marx experts, authors, notable fans, and even family members.
Inspired by 'The Marx Brothers Council' Facebook group. New episodes usually post monthly.
Check out our blog: marxbrotherscouncilpodcast.com
Follow us on Twitter: @MarxBrosPodcast
Join the lively discussion on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1389369721281242
...or contact us directly at: marxbrotherscouncilpodcast@gmail.com
79 Episodes
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“The Marx Brothers Miscellany” is not only the name of a new book by our guest Trav SD, it also describes this episode. We engage in a free-flowing discussion of numerous Marx topics, including their Vaudeville roots, how Gummo’s place in the team differed from Zeppo’s, and whether the Marxes were the greatest comedy team.
We also discuss the Algonquin Round Table’s place in Marx lore, and Trav details how he helped Noah bring “I’ll Say She Is” back to life in 2014.
In between episodes, Noah pops in with a few words about MARXFEST, coming to New York City in May of 2024. Tickets and information at marxfest.org.
Well, this one doesn’t need much explanation, does it?
Muppeteer Eric Jacobson and writer/producer/historian Craig Shemin join us for a look at the intersection of the worlds of the Marx Brothers and the Muppets. We discuss their shared roots in the Vaudeville stage, their utilization of music, and their mutual delight in creating mayhem for mayhem’s sake.
Eric and Craig also detail their efforts to evolve and modernize the iconic characters while staying true to their Jim Henson heritage, and Noah once again has to defend his criticism of the Punch and Judy scene from “Monkey Business”.
A deep dive into Maxine Marx’s 1980 biography of her father, “Growing Up With Chico”.
Matthew and Noah discuss the book’s honesty in taking on Chico’s self-centered lifestyle, while also portraying him in a sympathetic and loving manner. They point out discrepancies in anecdotes told by Maxine as compared to other sources, and are surprised by her willingness to express raw feelings about the rest of the family.
Mostly though, the guys enjoy the details that help fill in the cracks of the story of the most interesting, yet elusive brother.
A VERY special episode as we are joined by TV writer, comedian, and Council member Mike Rowe to premiere a previously unheard 1967 interview with Groucho, conducted by the infamous film collector and distributor, Raymond Rohauer.
Noah, Matthew, and Mike discuss the interview’s numerous departures from oft-told Marx lore, including Minnie’s importance to their rise and how the team transitioned from a musical act to a comedic one. We learn which film Groucho thinks is their worst, and what later-effort gets a surprisingly glowing reaction from him.
Mike tells of his introduction to the Marx films and his start in the world of comedy, including working with Henny Youngman and Rodney Dangerfield. We get the creation story of his ‘lost’ Marx Brothers film "Donkey Shines,” and Mike details meeting the enigmatic Rohauer, who entrusted him with the tape of his Groucho interview.
Groucho’s 1959’s autobiography, “Groucho and Me” is delved into, featuring the world’s most renowned impressionist of the man, Frank Ferrante.
The guys question if the book is truly an autobiography or just a collection of entertaining half-truths. They note the moments of humility and surprising self-awareness by Groucho, while noting that what is left out is as telling as what is included. Frank details how he’s mined the book over the years to keep his one-man show fresh, and talks about the joy of bringing Groucho to life as well as his plans for the future.
Reading “Groucho and Me” is not a prerequisite for enjoying the discussion, as the guys examine the man as much as what’s in the book.
A busy two-fold episode. First the guys deep dive into the world of Marx Brothers movie trailers, exploring their sometimes puzzling approaches, noting unique footage or dialogue, and lamenting those that are missing...one of which we get big news about in mid-show! To follow along, you can view all the trailers at: https://youtu.be/j2jbuHNeyZo
Then (at 1:07:00), actor/writer Jerry Sroka joins the podcast to discuss his new semi-autobiographical film, “Our Almost Completely True Love Story” in which he plays a Marx Brothers fanatic who courts actress Mariette Hartley. Jerry details the genesis of the film, which is laden with Marx references, as well as his real-life marriage to Mariette. He also recalls some hilarious personal and professional encounters with Woody Allen.
This month the guys look at two films with historically-important Marx appearances that were restored and released on a 2020 Blu-ray…now do you get the title?
First, Matthew and Noah dissect Harpo’s brief supporting turn in the obscure 1925 silent romantic-comedy “Too Many Kisses”. They speculate on how Harpo came to be in the film and point out nuances in his performance that show the Harpo we know and love.
Then they examine the ‘Theatrical Agency’ scene from the 1931 Paramount promotional film “The House That Shadows Built”. The guys discuss the circumstances which led them to shoot a skit that pre-dates “I’ll Say She Is”, and wonder if it’s Zeppo’s greatest performance.
“30 Rock”, “Only Murders in the Building”, “2 Broke Girls”, “The West Wing”…this is a minuscule sampling of series directed by our guest, director/actor/producer Don Scardino, a rabid Marx Brothers fan since the 1960’s.
We explore Don’s Marx backstory and how they’ve influenced his work. He talks in-depth about making comedy, with behind-the-scenes tales going back to his days as a performer in the original production of “Godspell”. Don gives his thoughts on what makes a good Marx Brothers director, and why he thinks their later career went the way it did.
Don also details his latest film, the soon-to-be-released “Our (Almost Completely True) Love Story” which has a Marx Brothers fanatic at its center…and what it was like to work with thousands of worms in 1976’s “Squirm”.
On the occasion of our sixtieth episode (not counting the ones we don’t count), we look back at the history of The Marx Brothers Council Podcast. Starting with its origins, as most stories do, we recount memorable moments, surprising guests, and our few regrets...topped off by hopes and plans for the future.
And to pay the bills, we also talk some actual Marx Brothers, as we discuss which films we’ve changed our mind most about over the years.
This is our way of thanking you all for sticking with us after the “Skidoo” deep dive.
The lost 1932 Groucho/Chico radio series “Flywheel, Shyster, and Flywheel” has long been a white whale for Marx fans. While the scripts were discovered in 1988, and a few tantalizing recordings have turned up (with more coming soon), it was the 1990-1992 adaptations by Mark Brisenden for the BBC which allowed new generations to enjoy the show.
Mark joins us for an oral history of the project, starting with becoming a Marx fan at age six, getting his feet wet writing comedy, and eventually landing at the BBC…where persistence made the “Flywheel” revival a reality. We’ll hear of Mark’s encounters with original writer Nat Perrin, as well as the legendary Spike Milligan, who was not only a fan of the show, but made a guest appearance.
This month, we welcome back “Schmigadoon!” co-creator/showrunner Cinco Paul to help sift thru the curiosity that is Groucho Marx’s final film appearance, the ‘far-out’ 1968 comedy, “Skidoo.” You don’t need to like (or even have seen) the film to enjoy our discussion of the whats, whys, and what-ifs from a movie that’s not quite as half-assed as you expect it to be.
What was Groucho thinking? What was Preminger thinking? What does Jackie Gleason sound like after taking LSD? You’ll hear our thoughts on these…plus the tragic tale of one of your hosts who, after numerous viewings, is actually starting to like “Skidoo.”
Film preservationist and collector Eric Grayson joins us to examine the 2023 state of the Marx Brothers’ catalog. We discuss which films have missing, damaged, or subpar footage (and we don’t mean “Go West”), and whether there is any hope for upgrades. Eric gets into the weeds with info that will surprise even the most knowledgeable fan.
We’ll also examine the copyright issues that the Marx films will soon face, and look forward to how AI technology may help in restoration efforts.
Finally, you’ll find out what happens when we have a guest who’s never heard our podcast.
Once again we dip into the mailbag for questions and comments from our loyal listeners. Bob joins us to serve as quizmaster, as we discuss subjects such as post-Duck Soup Freedonia/Sylvania relations, Marx pets, Matthew’s and Noah’s book sale numbers, and Groucho’s connection to the Chicago 7 trial.
Of course, we can’t ignore the um, er…well, let’s just say the recently discovered “Horse Feathers” stills. Talk about pre-code!
What if Eddie Buzzell directed “Horse Feathers”? What if the Marxes did a film with Mae West? What if Harpo and Chico made shorts in the 1940’s?…
And what if Matthew and Noah did an episode pondering these questions and more? Yep, your Marx Brothers daydreams are this month’s topic, as the guys give into baseless speculation sure to please everyone…or not.
Later, they are joined by musician Dan O’Farrell, who performs his self-penned tune, “Zeppo Speaks”.
Piggybacking on Robert Bader’s superb “Groucho & Cavett” documentary, we are joined by Brett Leveridge, Marxfest co-host and house manager for Noah’s “I’ll Say She Is” revival, for an in-depth look at more of Groucho’s late-career talk and game show appearances.
Groucho’s wonderfully disruptive guest shots on “What’s My Line?” “The Tonight Show” and “The Dating Game” are dissected, as well as his surprisingly serious and thoughtful debate with William F. Buckley, Jr. on “Firing Line.” We also examine Groucho’s fascinating “Dick Cavett Show” encounter with Dan Rowan.
…and don’t worry; all of these clips are available for viewing on our blog at marxbrotherscouncilpodcast.com
In addition, Brett tells his backstory of becoming a Marx fan in Oklahoma City, and we pay tribute to the late Richard J. Anobile.
With Matthew and Nick’s book, “The Annotated Abbott & Costello” hitting the shelves, it is the perfect time to discuss the duo’s appeal, or sometimes lack thereof, to Marx Brothers fans.
We almost entitled this ep, “Nick & Matthew Meet the Skeptic: Noah Diamond” as he has been resistant to Abbott & Costello’s charms so far. The guys put Noah to the test with choice clips to gauge his reaction (sorry folks, no “Who’s on First?”). Will his preconceptions be shattered?
The guys also discuss the differences between the two teams, try to decipher exactly what is going on in Bud Abbott’s head...and wonder if Bud, in fact, was the funnier of the pair. We know you’ll enjoy this as sure as 7 x 13 = 28.
Director/writer/producer Brian Levant (“Happy Days” “Beethoven” “The Flintstones” “Still The Beaver”) discusses his Marx-inspired career and new book “My Life and Toys”; a compilation of photos of his memorabilia collection…including unique Marx Brothers and classic comedy items.
Brian recalls his discovery of the team under trying circumstances, his two first-hand encounters with Groucho, and the time when George Fenneman met Fonzie! Brian also gives his thoughts on each Marx film…and where they went astray.
And stay tuned after the end song for details on our upcoming Patreon venture, and the special rewards that could be yours.
Film educator Hannah Mira returns for a deep dive into Susan Fleming Marx’s long-awaited memoir, brought to fruition by Robert Bader.
We’re taking the month off from our normal festivities, but here’s an important update on our plans going forward, followed by a resolution to a “Room Service” mystery.
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