The Marx Brothers Council Podcast

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 Br...

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...

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 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...

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...

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...

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 fro...

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...

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...

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 kn...

“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 th...

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...

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, star...

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...

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...

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”...

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’...

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...

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 (sor...

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...

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.

Our final plunge into the official Marx canon brings us to “Animal Crackers” and Bob’s favorite non-manicuring gal, Heidi, joins us for the ride. Your hosts have made no secret that this stands atop their ranking of Marx films, and here we go in-depth why…while also admitting it’s not really a good film at all. We discuss the differences with the original Broadway play, and compare the movie to th...

A look at the Marx Brothers’ relationship with intellectuals, focusing on Harpo’s friendship with writer Alexander Woollcott. Council member and Woollcott authority Brad Sohlo joins us to decipher just why sophisticates were attracted to the team...and not always vice versa. Brad explains why it was the carefree Harpo and not the well-read Groucho who was embraced by the Algonquin Round Table. We...