The Marx Brothers Council Podcast

34 “OUR DINNER WITH DEEZEN” Apr 28, 2021

ACTOR AND VOICE ARTIST EDDIE DEEZEN (GREASE, 1941, WAR GAMES) JOINS US FOR AN INDESCRIBABLE 90 MINUTES OF FREE WHEELING AND POTENTIALLY LITIGIOUS TALK ABOUT THE MARX BROTHERS. EDDIE RANKS THE MARX FILMS, OBSESSES ON CHICO’S SEXUAL PROWESS, AND GENERALLY TRIES TO STEER THE CONVERSATION TOWARDS THE BEATLES, MARTIN & LEWIS, AND THREE STOOGES WHENEVER POSSIBLE. EDDIE’S UNIQUE TAKE ON THE BROTHERS, PLUS SOME MIND-BOGGLING THEORIES, MAKE FOR UNFORGETTABLE LISTENING. *Our apologies that Eddie's audio is not up to our usual standards, we worked hard to make it sound as best we could.

BONUS MINICAST: Adamson in Casablanca Apr 12, 2021

An addendum to our “A Night in Casablanca” deep dive (episode 33), Joe Adamson, author of “Groucho, Harpo, Chico and Sometimes Zeppo”, joins us for a further look. Comparing the finished film to the original script and studio call sheets, Joe theorizes on why changes were made, tantalizes us with scenes which didn’t make the cut, and even mourns a few moments that remain. Not joining us for this episode: Scott Alexander.

33 “The Boys Are Back In Town” (featuring Scott Alexander) Mar 28, 2021

Noted screenwriter and Marx devotee Scott Alexander returns, this time for a deep dive into “The Howl Raiser of 1946”, A Night in Casablanca. The Marxes' screen comeback after five years was a triumph both artistically and financially, though not really appreciated until recent decades. With sharper writing and surprising moments of surrealism, it almost feels like a return to Paramount…but, as we point out, the Thalberg softening of the team was still in evidence. We detail our first experiences with the film, point out plot discrepancies, note classic lines, and most importantly, realize the Marxes could defeat the Nazis even without Zeppo. And as a bonus, The Not Ready For Online Players return for two more deleted scene recreations… WARNING: This episode contains explicit language.

32 “I Don’t Think This Damn Thing is Safe” Feb 26, 2021

Our deep dive into 1972’s "An Evening With Groucho" LP, and his historic, yet bittersweet, performance at Carnegie Hall. To be frank, we’re as conflicted about this as you probably are…Groucho finally gets the late-in-life showcase he craved and obviously deserved, but perhaps a bit too late for him to take full advantage of. We point out the triumphs, tragedies, and missed opportunities that Groucho dealt with in 1972, culminating with this hit album. We detail favorite moments as well as our disparate experiences first hearing this LP, and whether it is a piece of entertainment, a piece of history, or both...

31 “Our BRAIN DONORS Special” (featuring David Zucker and Pat Proft) Jan 29, 2021

Imagine a Marx Brothers-like film in 1992, now imagine a really good Marx Brothers-like film in 1992…well, imagine no longer because such a movie actually exists, "Brain Donors". Created by the team behind "Airplane!" and "The Naked Gun", "Brain Donors" achieved everything it set out to do…except find an audience. To explain why, we are joined by producer David Zucker and screenwriter Pat Proft, both life-long Marx fans. They detail the making of the film, including the casting of John Turturro as the Groucho-inspired Roland T. Flakfizer. David and Pat also discuss the Hollywood politics that derailed what could have been a series of faux-Marx films. Surely, one of our most requested topics… Name-checked in this episode: Jason Alexander, Bob Costas, Senator Joseph McCarthy

30 "K&R vs K&R” (featuring Nick Santa Maria) Dec 24, 2020

A holiday extravaganza because we say it is! Actor/writer Nick Santa Maria returns for an examination of the Marxes’ two principal writing teams, George S. Kaufman & Morrie Ryskind, and Bert Kalmar & Harry Ruby. We compare their styles and strengths, and go off on numerous unrelated tangents. But first, we detour to Kalmar & Ruby’s original vision for the finale of “A Night at the Opera”, featuring another performance by The Not Ready For Online Players...augmented by Kathy Biehl and Pete Lutz. Name-checked in this episode: Parkyakarkus, Carroll O’Connor (twice), Paul Harvey WARNING: Due to Matthew’s overly-festive mood, this episode contains a moment of adult language.

29 "Make That Three Hard Boiled Eggs” (featuring Andy Marx) Nov 29, 2020

In our NEW longest episode yet, we welcome Groucho’s grandson, Andy Marx, for a deep dive into “A Night at the Opera”, and a whole lot more… Andy recalls growing up with Groucho during the time he went from being a game show host to a legend. We learn about his curious connection to rock stars and speculate on his politics. We also hear about Andy’s other famous grandfather. Finally (at 28:40), we turn our attention to what most Marx fans agree is their first film for MGM. We try and make sense out of why this reinvention of the team works so well…all while doing the unbearable nitpicking we have become famous for! Name-checked in this episode: Elton John, Richard Nixon, Scott Alexander

28 “Flywheel, Shyster, and Tefteller” Oct 27, 2020

In our longest episode yet, we barely scratch the surface while talking to archivist John Tefteller. John has spent more than four decades accumulating rare Marx Brothers audio, and is producing a collection of the long-lost radio series “Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel”. John details how, as a high school sophomore, he was hired to be Groucho’s personal recording engineer and archivist. His stories of rare finds, heartbreaking misses, and colorful personalities will entertain you more than we ever did. You’ll even get to hear about John’s days as a teenage relationship counselor to Zeppo, and then Erin Fleming. Yes, your three hosts are present…but about as much as the Marxes are in “The Story of Mankind” Name-checked in this episode: Bill, Clinton, Perry Como, Ed Begley, Jr.

BONUSCAST The Jay Hopkins Interviews: Volume 5 - Nat Perrin Sep 28, 2020

In our final trip into the vault, we are treated to Jay’s never-before-heard 1984 chat with writer Nat Perrin. Perrin talks about his 50 year association with the Marxes, from contributing gags to “Monkey Business” all the way to Erin Fleming’s legal challenge to Groucho’s estate. You’ll hear about Nat’s work on the “Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel” radio series, and his later contributions to “Go West” and “The Big Store”. Perrin also discusses some of his non-Marx films and later TV work.

27 “A Compilation, a Sandwich, and You” Sep 07, 2020

In the spirit of the great comedy compilation films of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s, we’ve decided to create our own “Best of the Marx Brothers” money-grab. To be precise, the three of us have each compiled our own films…hamstrung by the constraints of our in-house Irving Thalberg. We’ll discuss our scene choices and come up with a final tracklist, all before realizing the whole exercise was pointless. Did your favorite scene make the cut? Listen and find out, unless you’re an Eve Arden fan, in which case don’t even bother…. Name-checked in this episode: W.C. Fields, Kristen Schaal, Jay Hopkins

26 “The Marx Brothers In A Nutshell” In A Nutshell Jul 23, 2020

Our long overdue look at the definitive Marx Brothers documentary, with special guests, producer/meme Robert B. Weide, and writer/editor Joe Adamson. The guys take us on Nutshell’s long journey, full of roadblocks and last minute scrambling. How did they get both Paramount and MGM clips when told it was impossible? Why did PBS viewers not see Woody Allen, and no one see Betty Marx? What happens when you ask Gene Kelly to do a retake? These and other questions you never asked will all be answered... Oh, and if you want to watch “The Marx Brothers in a Nutshell” before listening, you can purchase a dvd at: http://duckprods.com/store.html Name-checked in this episode: Kurt Vonnegut, Lauren Bacall, Mort Sahl

25 “Send Out The Clowns” Jun 24, 2020

Our contractually obligated deep dive into “At The Circus”, where your hosts are as enthused watching the film as the Marxes were in making it. We try our best to make sense out of this jumble of wonderful and embarrassing moments. You’ll scream as you experience the lost courtroom scene that MGM cut instead of "Two Blind Loves"….you’ll thrill as we struggle to remember plot points no one cares about anyhow…you’ll jump for joy as we play no clips of Groucho yelling “Help Pauline!” NOTE: This ep does contain moments of explicit language, which should be a hint to those still wondering what we thought of the film. Name-checked in this episode: Marilyn Monroe, Eddie Deezen, Adolf Hitler.

24 “Take a Letter!” May 14, 2020

This month we are joined by Zeppo expert/loyalist/fangirl/critic/stalker Andrea Orlando for a two-hour examination of the youngest Marx. Was he the funniest Marx Brother offscreen? Was he even a Marx Brother onscreen? Andrea rips some of Zeppo’s performances, then drools over his ripped shirt in Duck Soup. Matthew adds up his screentime, Noah secretly wonders if this was worth surviving Covid-19 for, while Bob questions how Vanity Fair will react. Yes, we said two hours. About Zeppo Marx. You have something better to do? Name checked in this episode: Frank Sinatra, Barbara Stanwyck, Hal Thompson

BONUSCAST - The Jay Hopkins Interviews: Volume 4 - Steve Stoliar Apr 30, 2020

Still stuck in quarantine, we’ve dug up another vintage interview from Jay’s archives. From 1979, Jay talks with Steve Stoliar, who worked in Groucho’s house as secretary during his final years and later wrote the essential account of this era, “Raised Eyebrows”. Steve details how he helped get “Animal Crackers” rereleased after being out of circulation for twenty years, and how this led to him meeting Groucho and being hired by the infamous Erin Fleming. Steve recounts his fascinating duties, and meeting the many characters and celebrities that were always around. Of course, unlike our previous archive subjects, Steve is still with us…but this interview dates from much closer to his time with Groucho than even his book, so his memories are especially crystal clear. -Visit our blog at: https://www.marxbrotherscouncilpodcast.com -Follow us on Twitter: @MarxBrosPodcast -Join 'The Marx Brothers Council' Facebook group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1389369721281242

23 “Monkey Distance” Apr 12, 2020

Quite the opposite of the live get-together this episode was supposed to document, your three quarantined hosts do their best to help you through COVID-19… First, we reveal the results of “The Marx Brothers Nonsensus” where fans made it known what they like and what they want. Let’s just say there are some curious folks out there...or at least a couple of wise guys. Then we dive into the virtual mailbag and play clips of your comments and questions. Many submissions are videos, so we recommend viewing the YouTube version of this ep at: https://youtu.be/SpQBlCvD-kU to best enjoy it. Name checked in this episode: Jim Carrey, Sydney Greenstreet, Bill Maher.

CORONASCAST - The Jay Hopkins Interviews: Volume 3 - Arthur Marx Mar 18, 2020

Taking advantage of a captive audience, we are proud to present the latest in our exclusive series of vintage interviews from the archives of Marx Brotherhood founder, Jay Hopkins. From 1984, Jay talks with Groucho’s son...author, playwright, tv scribe and screenwriter Arthur Marx. Arthur discusses the pitfalls of writing showbiz biographies, the gestation and disappointment of “Minnie’s Boys”, being passed over to write the screenplay for “The Impossible Years”, and the star of a Groucho one-man show he REALLY didn’t like…

22 "1934" Feb 24, 2020

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 Night at the Brothel”. Name-checked in this episode: Mickey Rooney, Katherine Hepburn, Hitler, Alec Baldwin.

21 “No Snow and No Ice” Jan 20, 2020

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!

20 "The Biggest Place in Town" Nov 29, 2019

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.

19 “Two of the Four of the Three Musketeers” Oct 21, 2019

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.

18 “Marx Brothers: Unsolved” Sep 16, 2019

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.

BONUSCAST - The Jay Hopkins Interviews: Volume 2 - Erin Fleming Aug 22, 2019

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.

17 “Hail and Farewell” (NOT our final episode) Aug 03, 2019

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.

16 “(After) The End of The Marx Brothers” Jun 29, 2019

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 T. Smith for a closer look at the aborted “Deputy Seraph” project.

BONUSCAST - The Jay Hopkins Interviews: Volume 1 - John Guedel Jun 12, 2019

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.

15 “This Magnificent Display of Effusion” (featuring Jay Hopkins) May 28, 2019

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.

14 “Look at Chicolini” (featuring Trav S.D.) Apr 29, 2019

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.

13 “You’ll Duck Soup The Rest Of Your Life” Mar 28, 2019

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.

12 “We Get Mad Because We Can’t Read” (featuring Scott Alexander) Feb 27, 2019

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 adult language.

11 “Art is Art and Water is Water" (featuring Josh Frank) Jan 30, 2019

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.

10 “The Marx Brothers in the 21 ½ Century” Dec 27, 2018

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.

BONUS HOLIDAY MINICAST Dec 06, 2018

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.

09 “A Good Buy From MGM” (featuring Nick Santa Maria) Nov 27, 2018

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 greatly enhanced by watching the film first, as we get into detail that you might not remember...

08 “Gentlemen, Question Mark…” Oct 30, 2018

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.

07 “Too Late, That’s Monkey Business Already” Sep 30, 2018

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

06 “The Missing Marx Brothers” Sep 04, 2018

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.

05 "One of Our Own Compositions, by Cinco Paul” Aug 01, 2018

Screenwriter and Marx Brothers fanatic Cinco Paul ("Despicable Me”, "The Secret Life of Pets", "Bubble Boy”) joins the guys to discuss and play their favorite musical moments from Marx films. Cinco also talks about how the brothers influence his work, and the Marx references he has and has not been able to incorporate into his films. Songs include…nah, you’re going to have to listen.

BONUS EPISODE: "More Marsden!" Jul 12, 2018

The full-length interview with actor/musician/writer/director Les Marsden, who has portrayed three of the brothers onstage, in addition to writing and starring in the one man show, “A Night at Harpo’s”. Among the topics Les discusses with Noah are audience expectations, learning to play the harp, pitching the one-man show to Harpo’s widow Susan, and his encounter with Groucho. End Music: “Why Am I So Romantic?” (from Animal Crackers) as performed by Les Marsden

04 “Myths, More, and Les" (featuring Les Marsden) Jun 26, 2018

Noah, Bob, and Matthew deflate some accepted Marx myths that get under their skin, then they examine the fan favorite 1969 LP “The Marx Bros. - The Original Voice Tracks From Their Greatest Movies” narrated by Gary Owens. Later, Noah talks with Les Marsden, who has portrayed three of the four brothers onstage, and also wrote and starred in the one-man show, “A Night at Harpo’s”. Since this episode was originally published, we have put the "Original Voice Tracks" LP online, it can be enjoyed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OyoO2S6_hk

03 "You Don't Have To Pay Us, But You Can't Fire Us" (featuring Frank Ferrante) May 26, 2018

Actor/writer/director Frank Ferrante, the world's most renowned Groucho Marx impressionist, and star of the touring show, "An Evening With Groucho" joins the guys for a deep dive into "A Day at the Races". Frank details his personal history with the film, and they dissect it scene by scene. Noah reveals a surprising secret and, later, Frank answers questions from Council members.

02 "Noah, Bob, Joe and Sometimes Matthew" (featuring Joe Adamson) Apr 25, 2018

The guys discuss whether they disagree enough, then list their least-favorite moments in the Marxes films. A quick trip to the news-desk is followed by a chat with renown author Joe Adamson ("Groucho, Harpo, Chico and Sometimes Zeppo”), who discusses the origins of the book and which film his views have changed the most in the years since. End Music: "Beer Barrel Polka" from "At The Circus” Homepage: https://marxcast.blogspot.com Join the lively discussion on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1389369721281242 Contact us at: marxbrotherscouncilpodcast@gmail.com

01 "The Magazines Leave The Depot" Mar 26, 2018

In the inaugural episode, Matthew, Bob, and Noah introduce themselves, discuss the pronunciation of Chico's name ("Chico"), and give their quick thoughts on each of the Marxes 13 starring films... Visit us online at: https://www.marxbrotherscouncilpodcast.com/ Join the lively discussion on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1389369721281242 Contact us at: marxbrotherscouncilpodcast@gmail.com

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