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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

1:06:16

22 "1934"

The Marx Brothers Council Podcast ·

2020/02/24

No, it’s not a sequel to “1917”, but something even better! This month we discuss the year that the Marx Brothers didn’t do anything besides lose Zeppo. After finishing “Duck Soup” in late 1933, the team was without a studio contract, and in no hurry to make another film…in fact, they weren’t certain they wanted to remain in Hollywood at all. We examine the internal and external forces which led them to MGM and Irving Thalberg. We’ll also talk about Groucho’s heretofore unknown solo project, “A

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1:58:42

21 “No Snow and No Ice” ("The Cocoanuts" Deep Dive)

The Marx Brothers Council Podcast ·

2020/01/20

After avoiding its 90th anniversary, Matthew pushes Noah and Bob into the pool for a deep dive into The Cocoanuts. Why did contemporary critics consider it their best? Why does Margaret Dumont get more laughs than Zeppo? Who the hell is Penelope? Noah connects a Groucho line to Star Trek: The Next Generation, Bob brings up Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Matthew is certain one shot was cut for a 1984 British TV broadcast. It’s appointment podcasting!

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1:48:22

20 "The Biggest Place in Town" ("Copacabana" Deep Dive)

The Marx Brothers Council Podcast ·

2019/11/29

A deep dive into Groucho’s first solo effort, 1947’s “Copacabana”, which can be considered both a success and a failure…as well as neither. Surprisingly, for one of your hosts, this was a first time viewing, so Bob comes up with observations that most of you had decades ago. We explore the fascinating teaming of Groucho with Carmen Miranda, and romances that are undefined and unresolved. The Barry Manilow jokes and song excerpts are kept to a minimum, so don’t be afraid.

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1:48:12

19 “Two of the Four of the Three Musketeers”

The Marx Brothers Council Podcast ·

2019/10/21

This month we take it easy and discuss only half of the team, Groucho and Chico. We listen to and deep dive into all their great scenes together….as well as the one from "At The Circus". You'll learn why perhaps their most famous encounter isn’t really a Marx scene at all. We also introduce a new feature where we reveal our latest and greatest Marx Brothers revelations.

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2:02:40

18 “Marx Brothers: Unsolved”

The Marx Brothers Council Podcast ·

2019/09/16

Marx Brothers scholar Stewart Tryster returns as we try to explain curious moments in the Marxes' films and career. Who was that in the dark in "Animal Crackers"? Did pressure from Italians result in the pigeons being cut from “A Day at the Races”? What edible substance made up Harpo’s “A Night in Casablanca” hair? We speculate, jump to conclusions, and ignore facts that go against our theories…so you know you’re getting the most solid info anywhere.

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1:03:38

BONUSCAST - The Jay Hopkins Interviews: Volume 2 -...

The Marx Brothers Council Podcast ·

2019/08/22

The second in our exclusive series of vintage interviews from the archives of Marx Brotherhood founder, Jay Hopkins. From 1979, Jay talks with the infamous Erin Fleming, Groucho’s secretary, personal manager, and companion in his final years. Erin details day to day life with Groucho, as well as the celebrities, shows and events she seemed to crave. She’s opinionated, charming and infuriating. A unique and revealing look at the complex woman who was the center of a storm of controversy.

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1:55:44

17 “Hail and Farewell” ("Room Service" Deep Dive)

The Marx Brothers Council Podcast ·

2019/08/03

This month we take a deep dive into the misunderstood “Room Service”, perhaps not the best Marx film, but the one with the most interesting backstory…as well as the most frustrating compromises. Matthew enlightens us on how it almost became more of an authentic Marx vehicle, and how it almost became less of one. Bob is surprised by his reaction to the film, while Noah leads post-graduate courses on New York theater, and the word “frowsy”. Special guest stars, Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick.

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1:26:41

16 “(After) The End of The Marx Brothers”

The Marx Brothers Council Podcast ·

2019/06/29

Though the Marx Brothers stopped performing together after 1949’s “Love Happy”, that didn’t stop the constant stories, rumors and false starts of future projects. This month we take a look at the Marxes’ 1950s post-career, which included a few moments when they did reunite. Bob comes up with a unique (and probably stupid) theory about “The Incredible Jewel Robbery”, while Matthew admits to a Marx appearance that he can’t be bothered to watch. Later, we are joined by “Marx and Re-Marx” author Andrew

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0:37:13

BONUSCAST - The Jay Hopkins Interviews: Volume 1 -...

The Marx Brothers Council Podcast ·

2019/06/12

The first in our exclusive series of vintage never-before-heard interviews from the archives of Marx Brotherhood founder, Jay Hopkins… From 1979, Jay talks to “You Bet Your Life” creator and producer John Guedel about the genesis of the show, how it was put together each week, and how the show library was on the verge of being discarded in the early ’70s before John and Groucho came to the rescue...which in turn, led to its huge revival.

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1:36:16

15 “This Magnificent Display of Effusion” (featuring...

The Marx Brothers Council Podcast ·

2019/05/28

Founder of the legendary Marx Brotherhood fan club, Jay Hopkins, joins us for a look at the 1970s Marx renaissance. What caused it? Could it happen again? What was Nat Perrin’s apartment number? We examine Groucho’s part in the movement, as well as his curious relationship with Erin Fleming. Jay tells of his experiences with the Brotherhood, as well as his firsthand interviews with important Marx figures…at least the ones he didn’t scare off.

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1:22:10

14 “Look at Chicolini” (featuring Trav S.D.)

The Marx Brothers Council Podcast ·

2019/04/29

We are joined by writer/performer/bon vivant Trav S.D. for an in-depth analysis of the world of Chico. We examine his strengths, weaknesses, contradictions and roller skating. Is he the most underrated of the three, or the most overrated of the four? And where does he fit alphabetically…you’re going to be surprised. Along the way we’ll enjoy some classic piano and misquote our favorite lines.

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1:48:59

13 “You’ll Duck Soup The Rest Of Your Life” ("Duck...

The Marx Brothers Council Podcast ·

2019/03/28

This month we take a deep dive into “Duck Soup”, which Matthew acknowledges as one of his thirteen favorite Marx Brothers films. Bob fixates on trivial moments, while Noah savors the early scripts way more than Leo McCarey did. By the end, we all reluctantly agree that the film is over…and so is Zeppo. Oh, and be on the lookout for a Ramones shout-out, a tie-in to Hogan’s Heroes, and a clip from a 1986 film.

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1:42:26

12 “We Get Mad Because We Can’t Read” (featuring...

The Marx Brothers Council Podcast ·

2019/02/27

Screenwriter and lifelong Marx fanatic Scott Alexander (“Ed Wood” “Man on the Moon” “The People vs. Larry Flynt”) joins us to discuss Kyle Crichton’s 1950 biography of the Marxes, which established many of the myths that hold to this day. Later, Scott details the creation of his Marx Brothers bio-pic script, and how Tony Clifton might be responsible for it not being produced. Finally, Scott tells of his search and ultimate discovery of an important lost Harpo film… WARNING: This episode contains

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1:51:32

11 “Art is Art and Water is Water" (featuring Josh...

The Marx Brothers Council Podcast ·

2019/01/30

Author Josh Frank joins us to discuss his upcoming graphic novel, “Giraffes on Horseback Salad”, an adaptation of Salvador Dali’s 1937 proposed screenplay for the Marxes. Later, we delve into surrealism and its relation to Marx Brothers humor, along with their appeal to the intellectuals of the day. Unfortunately, Roscoe W. Chandler was not able to join us, but is there in spirit.

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1:28:51

10 “The Marx Brothers in the 21 ½ Century”

The Marx Brothers Council Podcast ·

2018/12/27

Hmmm…what could this be? Chico leading a Mars expedition? Zeppo getting a talent transplant? No, actually we take a look at the Marx fandom, past, present and future. Where are the new fans coming from, where are the older fans going? Does their humor hold up, and is it becoming too politically incorrect? We promise you won’t be surprised by our answers. Later, we pepper each other with questions that we haven’t prepared for…and see how much of the show Bob can save in editing.

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0:30:42

BONUS HOLIDAY MINICAST

The Marx Brothers Council Podcast ·

2018/12/06

After a recap of feedback to the “Big Store” episode, Matthew and Noah talk about the Marx Brothers books they have authored which, coincidentally, are available as holiday gifts. Later, Bob makes a bold proclamation for 2019.

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1:52:21

09 “A Good Buy From MGM” ("The Big Store" Deep Dive)

The Marx Brothers Council Podcast ·

2018/11/27

Actor, writer, and singer Nick Santa Maria joins us to defend “The Big Store”…not the funniest of the latter-MGM films, but (in our opinion) the most likable. We speculate on the secret life of Hiram Phelps and love life of Mr. Grover, plus hear a rare audio clip of Tony Martin and his version of reality. We’re also treated to the death stories of a couple of cast-members! Finally, everyone is rewarded by us not playing “The Tenement Symphony”. Note that your enjoyment of this episode will be

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1:50:58

08 “Gentlemen, Question Mark…”

The Marx Brothers Council Podcast ·

2018/10/30

For this installment, we kill a couple of hours answering listener questions as well as attempting to pronounce names of various Council members…one of whom won’t be happy at all with our open-mindedness. Plus, Matthew looks for stuff.

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1:28:14

07 “Too Late, That’s Monkey Business Already”...

The Marx Brothers Council Podcast ·

2018/09/30

Matthew, Noah and Bob over-analyze “Monkey Business”, the Marxes’ first film shot in Hollywood and first written exclusively for the screen. You’ll learn how many stowaways are singing, if Siri knows who played Alky Briggs, and in what century the portable lighter was invented. Musicologist and Zeppocologist Andrea Orlando stops by to offer some much-needed informed insight. End Music: “I’m Daffy Over You” performed by Josh Max

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1:36:54

06 “The Missing Marx Brothers”

The Marx Brothers Council Podcast ·

2018/09/04

Marx Brothers scholar Rodney Stewart Hillel Tryster joins the guys for a look into now lost moments from the Marxes career. Some are legendary, some are obscure...and some may never have occurred. Bob interviews Thomas Racz, who details his exciting discovery of a unique print of “A Night at the Opera” at the Hungarian Film Archive. Rodney and Matthew explain why the odds of finding “Humor Risk” may be greater than Groucho had you believe.

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106 results

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