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 really 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, notable fans, and even family members.
New episodes post monthly.
For more info or to leave a comment, visit us at: marxbrotherscouncilpodcast.com
Follow us on Twitter: @MarxBrosPodcast
or Bluesky: @marxbrotherscouncilpodcast.com
And join the lively discussion on 'The Marx Brothers Council' Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1389369721281242
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, notable fans, and even family members.
New episodes post monthly.
For more info or to leave a comment, visit us at: marxbrotherscouncilpodcast.com
Follow us on Twitter: @MarxBrosPodcast
or Bluesky: @marxbrotherscouncilpodcast.com
And join the lively discussion on 'The Marx Brothers Council' Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1389369721281242
Contact us directly at: marxbrotherscouncilpodcast@gmail.com
97 Episodes
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Alexander Woollcott authority Brad Sohlo returns to explore the celebrated critic’s influence on Harpo’s life, career, and legacy—and the surprisingly equal role Harpo played in Woollcott’s. Brad also shares stories from his visit to Woollcott’s Neshobe Island retreat, where Harpo and fellow Algonquin Round Table regulars gathered to unwind, rough it, and battle it out over croquet.
A complete collection of listener submissions from episode 83, "Horse Feathers Reeducated".
Because of time constraints and overlapping content, not every comment made it into the original episode. Now, you can enjoy the full, uncut versions of every clip we received—packed with great stories and fascinating insights. Enjoy!
Council members weigh in on one of the Marxes’ greatest films. Hear about a botched screening, why Jennings might be the dumbest gambler in history, and one member’s detailed dissent on Chico’s piano solo. You’ll also get mixed takes on the football finale, learn who holds the title of show business’s most ridiculed performer, and find out how Halle Berry’s name managed to enter the conversation.
Screen icon Elliott Gould joins the guys for a heartwarming and at times profound conversation about his friendship with Groucho. From deli lunches to hospital antics to reflections on Mae West, Erin Fleming, and the meaning of legacy, Elliott offers deeply personal stories with warmth and wit. You’ll even learn what Groucho considered Elliott’s greatest performance.
We're celebrating the tenth anniversary of Matthew Coniam’s “The Annotated Marx Brothers: A Filmgoer's Guide to In-Jokes, Obscure References and Sly Details”. In this retrospective, we explore how the book came to be—and how it ultimately became something quite different from what the title might lead you to expect.
What sets it apart from other books on the Marxes? Is an updated edition on the horizon? And does Matthew still hate “Duck Soup”? These and other pressing questions will be lightly dodged before we inevitably try to sell you a copy.
Friend of the podcast Kathy Biehl joins the guys to explore Groucho's only two produced scripts, the 1937 film "The King and the Chorus Girl", and the 1948 play "Time for Elizabeth" - which was later adapted for TV, featuring himself in the lead role.
The crew delves into how these collaborations with Norman Krasna mark a conscious shift from Groucho’s signature humor, pondering what might have driven him to this new direction. They’ll guess which lines bear Groucho’s unmistakable stamp, and weigh in on his acting chops in Elizabeth.
By the end, you’ll have the answer to the big question: Did Groucho need the funny?
With listener insights, we take another look at the film that marked the Marxes’ Hollywood debut and stands out as the only one featuring a manicurist we can name.
This episode highlights the distinctiveness of Monkey Business, as comments explore how it stands apart from both their earlier work and later films. We’ll dive into praise for Thelma Todd and even Zeppo, alongside the random nitpicks Marx fans are famous for.
Joe Adamson, Scott Alexander and Eddie Deezen are among those contributing. Jay Hopkins would have as well, if he could figure out how to do it.
By all accounts, the brothers acquired their iconic names in 1914 while playing cards with a performer named Art Fisher…but does this story hold water, or even milk? To get to the bottom of this, we welcome master Marx researcher Pat McCaughey...and without spoiling anything, let’s just say, “it’s complicated”.
We also reflect on the importance of the stage names and whether the brothers would have been successful without them. Later, Bob and Pat detail obstacles they’ve encountered while searching for the identity of the "Night at the Opera" manicurist.
Noah and Matthew dive into Robert S. Bader’s new book, Zeppo: The Reluctant Marx Brother, the first-ever biography of the universally acknowledged youngest Marx Brother.
The guys explore Zeppo’s life of career shifts, ties to organized crime, and strained family relationships. They delve into why he didn’t bask in the glory of the Marxes’ 1960’s and 70’s resurgence, and find proof of his rumored great wit. Oh, and Matthew discovers a Groucho “Holy Grail” buried in Bader’s pages...
Not too spoilery, this episode is a must-listen whether you’ve read the book or not.
Once again, our audience takes centerstage as we respond to listener comments on the Marxes’ second (or third) film…
How is viewing the restored version akin to seeing the team live onstage? What is “insouciant whimsy”? Why is John Tefteller championing a bootleg? These are just a few of the questions we’ll ponder in another meeting of ‘The Matthew Coniam Appreciation Council’. We’ll also discuss why Chico arrives with an instrument he doesn’t play, and learn what famed comedian is not a fan of Lillian Roth.
Emmy-winning comedy writer and producer Frank Santopadre, renowned for co-hosting the often Marx-focused Gilbert Gottfried's Amazing Colossal Podcast, joins us for an insightful conversation.
Frank shares how he first became a fan of the team and reveals his favorite Marx film (it’s not Go West, by the way). He also reflects on his time working with Gilbert, including memorable interviews with friends, family, and co-stars of the brothers. Frank illuminates the historical importance of these chats, as the number of people who personally knew or worked with the Marxes is rapidly dwindling.
And yes, we’ll apologize now for the detour to Skidoo.
David Fleming, Erin’s nephew, offers raw and compelling insight into the complex life of Groucho’s “secretary.”
He recounts visits to his aunt at Groucho’s home and encounters with the man himself. We are treated to contemporary letters from Erin, describing life at the Marx house, her relationship with Groucho, and her later descent into madness. David shares firsthand memories of Erin’s battle with mental illness in explicit detail, and explains why it was predictable.
He also speculates on why Groucho was drawn to Erin.
A sympathetic yet unfettered exploration of a tragic story that you won’t find anywhere else.
NOTE: This episode contains adult language and content.
After 72 episodes of you listening to us, today we listen to you, as Council members offer their insights and opinions of the Marxes’ first (surviving) film.
Are its age and creakiness actually a blessing in disguise? How many tunes named “The Monkey Doodle Doo” did Irving Berlin actually compose? And why is Matthew comparing Oscar Shaw to Pavarotti? All this, and Eddie Deezen…need we say more?
A podcast that you won’t want to end, and it almost doesn’t.
Biographer, cultural critic, and comics veteran Danny Fingeroth joins Noah and Bob for a game of Marx Brothers "What If...?" inspired by the multiverse series Danny worked on in his days at Marvel Comics. They ask, what if Groucho had become a doctor? What if Chico had been good with money? What if Zeppo had been good at...well, performing?
Danny also discusses growing up in the Marxes' old New York neighborhood and how Lee Harvey Oswald's killer Jack Ruby helped get Gabe Kaplan to participate in Marxfest.
Matthew and Noah share a few of the most perplexing Marx Brothers mysteries they've encountered in their research, which have remained unsolved despite considerable effort.
No, this episode is not about Humor Risk or the manicurist. But Matthew will walk you down winding paths of confusion regarding the authorship of The Big Store and Double Dynamite, and Noah will call your attention to a Marx Bros. Scrapbook anomaly that can only be explained ridiculously.
This month the guys examine the directors of each of the Marx Brothers’ films. From Dick Smith of Humor Risk to The Incredible Jewel Robbery’s Mitchell Leisen, they discuss each director’s qualifications, and (Humor Risk aside) whether they elevated the material, brought their own perspectives, or simply stayed out of the way.
Matthew provides detailed and often surprising biographical info, while Noah highlights specific moments where the directors shined—as well as the work of Edward Buzzell.
An in-depth report on Marxfest 2024 with two of Noah’s co-organizers, Kathy Biehl and Jonny Porkpie. Detailing each event, they share stories of the fans, presenters and performers who made it an unforgettable time. We’ll also share some choice audio clips.
Along the way, you’ll learn the real reason why Groucho didn’t appear on “Welcome Back Kotter”, and hear Josh Max's McCartney-esque version of the “Love Happy” theme.
In addition, we are thrilled to present three exclusive Marx Brothers radio excerpts provided by John Tefteller. These clips, from presumed-lost radio shows, premiered at the fest and will be featured in John’s upcoming release of restored Marx radio appearances, available (hopefully) later this year.
“The Marx Brothers Miscellany” is not only the name of a new book by our guest, Trav SD, it also aptly describes this episode. We engage in a free-wheeling discussion of numerous Marx topics, including their Vaudeville roots, how Gummo’s role in the act and family differed from Zeppo’s, and whether the Marxes are really 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”.
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My feeling was that Roy was being ironic when when he made the 'book' reference. He was clearly envoking the 'book was better' cliche for fun. He very likely knew the musical world meaning.