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PODCAST

The Marx Brothers Council Podcast

Matthew Coniam, Noah Diamond, Bob Gassel

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

tv & film film history

All Episodes

1:21:16

55 "Did You Ever Sit and Ponder as You Walk Along the...

The Marx Brothers Council Podcast ·

2023/03/30

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”.

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2:10:33

54 “There’s an Honored Guest Tonight” featuring Brett...

The Marx Brothers Council Podcast ·

2023/02/22

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

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1:35:57

53 “Duck Privates” featuring Nick Santa Maria

The Marx Brothers Council Podcast ·

2023/01/25

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

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1:41:31

52 “I Got a Fire Engine!” featuring Brian Levant

The Marx Brothers Council Podcast ·

2022/12/17

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

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1:24:51

51 Speaking of “Speaking of Harpo” featuring Hannah Mira

The Marx Brothers Council Podcast ·

2022/11/10

Film educator Hannah Mira returns for a deep dive into Susan Fleming Marx’s long-awaited memoir, brought to fruition by Robert Bader.

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0:16:44

MiniCast: “State of the Podcast…and a Marx Mystery...

The Marx Brothers Council Podcast ·

2022/10/09

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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2:11:07

50 “The Gods Look Down and Laugh”- our Animal...

The Marx Brothers Council Podcast ·

2022/09/15

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 their maiden film voyage, “The Cocoanuts”. We laud “Animal Crackers” stellar writing, supporting cast,

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1:03:49

49 “Four Empty Dunces” featuring Brad Sohlo

The Marx Brothers Council Podcast ·

2022/08/12

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 discuss what Woollcott and Harpo saw in each other and why their curious friendship endured. And if

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1:43:21

48 “Your Silent Partner”

The Marx Brothers Council Podcast ·

2022/07/02

With the imminent arrival of Susan Marx’s memoir, “Speaking of Harpo”, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the (not) mute, (not) red-haired, (not) second-born, (not) Adolph Marx. Noah leads an examination of both the man and character, including the invaluable “Harpo Speaks”. We look at the evolution of his stage and screen persona, speculate if Harpo could have succeeded on his own, and explore the passion for his namesake instrument. We then have some fun giving Harpo “hot takes,” before naming

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1:25:31

47 “Bert & Harry Go West” featuring Scott Alexander

The Marx Brothers Council Podcast ·

2022/06/04

Not a fan of the Marx Brothers' “Go West”? Wish it had been written by the guys behind “Duck Soup”? Well, that was the original plan. Acclaimed screenwriter Scott Alexander returns to help us examine the film’s early scripts, as penned by the legendary team of Bert Kalmar and Harry Ruby. Groucho as a leering divorce lawyer, Chico as a phony fortune teller, Harpo chasing women and actually acting like Harpo...who couldn’t love that? Apparently, MGM couldn’t; as they eventually changed

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1:38:22

46 “Deridin’ the Range” - our Go West deep dive

The Marx Brothers Council Podcast ·

2022/05/07

WARNING: The following podcast contains explicit descriptions of subpar screenwriting, overwrought direction, and all-around lousy filmmaking. ———————————————— Admittedly not our favorite Marx Brothers film, but one we sure had fun talking about. We explore whether the problem is the material or just our expectations. We ask if the road tour actually helped, why they switched Dan Wilsons, and how come MGM didn’t spend $4000 to save $50,000. Along the way, we are joined by the late June MacCloy, who

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1:27:21

45 “That En-cy-clo-pidia!” featuring Glenn Mitchell

The Marx Brothers Council Podcast ·

2022/03/29

If you prefer your film history told alphabetically, then this is the episode for you! Glenn Mitchell, author of The Marx Brothers Encyclopedia, as well as similar volumes on Laurel & Hardy and Charlie Chaplin, joins us to not only tell the story of his fact-based books, but also grace us with some actual opinions. We learn his favorite Marx films, his least favorites, and the one he likes but can’t sit all the way through. Glenn details the genesis of his encyclopedia format, why the books

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1:23:19

44 “Double Disappointment” featuring Anthony Strand

The Marx Brothers Council Podcast ·

2022/03/06

We are joined by self-proclaimed Muppet geek and co-host of the “Movin’ Right Along” podcast, Anthony Strand, for a look at two of Groucho’s solo efforts, “Double Dynamite” and “A Girl in Every Port. Despite the episode’s title, we think these films are just fine…where else can you see the world’s greatest comedian and the world’s greatest singer do a duet on a treadmill, or watch the dad from “Hazel” cheat on the sister of Groucho’s future wife. Along the way, we dump on Jane Russell, exalt Marie

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2:38:18

43 “I Take it Out Once in a While” featuring Jay Hopkins

The Marx Brothers Council Podcast ·

2022/01/31

A supersized deep dive into “You Bet Your Life.” First, Marx Brotherhood founder Jay Hopkins joins us to talk about the origins of the series, its unique and sometimes controversial way of production, and how Groucho wanted and needed to evolve from his screen persona. We also discuss the show’s most famous moment…which likely didn’t happen at all. Later, we are treated to a never-before-heard interview (and scrumptious meal) with Jay and “You Bet Your Life” head writer Bernie Smith from 1979

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1:19:35

42 “The Sanity Clauses”

The Marx Brothers Council Podcast ·

2021/12/25

Two Jews and an Brit celebrate Christmas and ring in the new year with our Marx Brothers hot takes! We like a film that most don’t, dis a famous artist, and suggest changes that will make you dance barefoot in our lemonade. And as a special treat, Noah tells how he risked his sanity and marriage to prepare for this episode. So, if you want to hear well-developed opinions combined with half-baked ideas, you’ve come to the right place! Name dropped in this episode: Richard Pryor, Rudolf Nureyev,

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2:27:39

41 “Waxing Wroth” - our Horse Feathers deep dive...

The Marx Brothers Council Podcast ·

2021/12/04

Adam Gopnik, New Yorker writer and editor of “S.J. Perelman: Writings” joins us for an exhaustive look at the Marx Brothers’ 1932 classic, “Horse Feathers.” Adam discusses Perelman’s influence and tries to pinpoint his specific lines, Noah is skeptical that “Horse Feathers” owes anything to the brothers’ vaudeville school act, Matthew keeps track of the differences between the film and shooting script, while Bob constantly derails the conversation with trivial observations. Singing the film’s

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0:40:59

40 “Aboard This Tiny Ship” (featuring Nell Minow “The...

The Marx Brothers Council Podcast ·

2021/11/05

Renowned film writer Nell Minow joins us to discuss her longtime love affair with the Marxes, her first-hand encounters with two of the brothers, her famous dad’s round of golf with another, and her grandmother’s friendship with two of their spouses! Nell also details the origin and mission of her “Movie Mom” franchise , and discusses the difficulty in getting young people to watch and appreciate classic films these days. You’ll learn the surprising connection between Nell and one of your hosts,

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1:32:20

39 “Why A Nobile?” (featuring Nick Santa Maria)

The Marx Brothers Council Podcast ·

2021/09/29

This month, we take a deep dive into Richard J. Anobile’s controversial work from 1973, “The Marx Brothers Scrapbook”. Joining us is performer/writer/director Nick Santa Maria, who (like Bob) got the book when it first came out, has some deep insight, and (like Groucho) eye-opening opinions. We examine Groucho’s shocking and explicit comments, his mindset, and inconsistent cooperation. We discuss the Scrapbook’s other interviews, which are almost as provocative as Groucho’s…and often more

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0:02:44

Another Special Announcement!

The Marx Brothers Council Podcast ·

2021/09/26

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0:56:52

38 “Help-a Those Kids” (featuring Hannah Mira)

The Marx Brothers Council Podcast ·

2021/08/24

And now for something completely different... We are joined by educator Hannah Mira, who details her fascinating story of screening Marx Brothers (and other classic) films for incarcerated teenagers, and their surprisingly positive response. A lifelong Marx fan, Hannah uses the brothers’ antics not only as entertainment, but as a springboard to introspection. We learn what the most popular gags and scenes are with her students, as well as whom their favorite brother is (spoiler: it ain’t Zeppo)

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106 results

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