The Marx Brothers Council Podcast Matthew Coniam, Noah Diamond, Bob Gassel
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- TV & Film
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An insightful but not too serious look at the Marx Brothers films, careers, and lives from some guys who 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, authors, notable fans, and even family members.
Inspired by 'The Marx Brothers Council' Facebook group. New episodes usually post monthly.
Check out our blog: marxbrotherscouncilpodcast.com
Follow us on Twitter: @MarxBrosPodcast
Join the lively discussion on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1389369721281242
...or contact us directly at: marxbrotherscouncilpodcast@gmail.com
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68 “Miscellany Business” featuring Trav S.D.
“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. -
A Few Words About MARXFEST
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.
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67 “Of Muppets and Marxes” featuring Eric Jacobson and Craig Shemin
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”. -
66 “The Little We Know About Leonard”
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 of the family.
Mostly though, the guys enjoy the details that help fill in the cracks of the story of the most interesting, yet elusive brother. -
65 “Our Rowe, Rohauer and Groucho Hour” featuring Mike Rowe and Groucho Marx
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 from a musical act to a comedic one. We learn which film Groucho thinks is their worst, and what later-effort gets a surprisingly glowing reaction from him.
Mike tells of his introduction to the Marx films and his start in the world of comedy, including working with Henny Youngman and Rodney Dangerfield. We get the creation story of his ‘lost’ Marx Brothers film "Donkey Shines,” and Mike details meeting the enigmatic Rohauer, who entrusted him with the tape of his Groucho interview. -
64 “Groucho and We” featuring Frank Ferrante
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 details how he’s mined the book over the years to keep his one-man show fresh, and talks about the joy of bringing Groucho to life as well as his plans for the future.
Reading “Groucho and Me” is not a prerequisite for enjoying the discussion, as the guys examine the man as much as what’s in the book.
Customer Reviews
Thank you
I’m a 35 year old guy that lives in Scotland, I loved The Marx brothers because my grandad loved them, they are like a drug addiction of pure nostalgia & love for me.
I never thought I would find people that loved them like me, not only have I found that, in the Facebook & this awesome podcast.
The knowledge they have of the Marx brothers is stunning, I wish my grandad was still here.
Much love
Darren
A Marxtastic Podcast!
This morning I listened to a podcast in my pyjamas, how it got in my pyjamas, I don’t know!... Sorry, I couldn’t resist!.
It’s always great to hear knowledgable people talk about a subject that they are passionate about, and that is what Bob, Noah and Matthew do so well in this podcast series. Their camaraderie is obvious and enjoyable and their studies of the lives and films of the Marx Brothers are always intelligent and interesting. I can’t recommend this podcast enough to fans of the brothers Marx and fans of old Hollywood in general. Keep up the great work guys, you are an inspiration.
A brilliant podcast about the Brothers Marx
Hello
I just wanted to say how much I love this podcast. I live in the UK and was introduced to the Marx Brothers at the age of 12 by a teacher at my school. He lent me all of the films and I am now 30 years of age and till a big fan. I like the fact that you also use sound clips from the films, reminds me of some bits I’ve forgotten. Keep up the good work and looking forward to further episodes.