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The Marx Brothers Council 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, 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: [email protected]
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Top 10 The Marx Brothers Council Podcast Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The Marx Brothers Council Podcast episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The Marx Brothers Council Podcast for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The Marx Brothers Council Podcast episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

The Marx Brothers Council Podcast - 39 “Why A Nobile?” (featuring Nick Santa Maria)
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09/29/21 • 92 min

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 informative. Later, we delve into the firestorm of controversy which greeted the book upon publication. We pay sincere tribute to Anobile, for his persistence and thick skin, and we lament Zeppo, who comes across as the sourest (and unfunniest) person on Earth. NOTE: “The Marx Brothers Scrapbook” contains very explicit language, and we oft-times quote or paraphrase passages, so be aware that this episode is not for sensitive listeners.
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The Marx Brothers Council Podcast - 36 “We Spit on Lester Cowan” (our 'Love Happy' deep dive)
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06/24/21 • 85 min

A look at the Marx Brothers final film, 1949's "Love Happy"... The brothers search for jewels as we search for laughs...and though it’s not top-tier Marx, there is still plenty to enjoy as well as plenty to ponder. Matthew tells how Chico agreed to appear in a Harpo solo film before Harpo did, Noah is baffled by how the jewels got into a sealed sardine can, and Bob goes off on Marilyn Monroe. You’ll learn about the two versions of the film, and why the shorter, less funny one is most likely what you’ve seen. You’ll learn why Groucho and Chico never appear onscreen together...but you won’t learn what those penguins are saying. Seriously, it’s not a bad film...wish we could promise the same about this podcast.
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The Marx Brothers Council Podcast - 35 “This Magnificent Chest” (The Marx Brothers TV Collection)
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05/30/21 • 123 min

You want to see Groucho as an over-protective father, Harpo hiding in a Coke machine, or Chico trying to pass himself off as Harpo? Well, you’ve come to the right place as we dissect Shout Factory’s DVD set featuring Marx TV appearances from the ‘50s thru the ‘70s. We uncover the many treasures, failures, and sublime moments this collection offers to Marx fans, including Groucho’s rebooting of You Bet Your Life in 1960’s England, Harpo’s lead role in a Twilight Zone-like drama, and Chico’s two short-lived series...both of which were actually pretty good. We’ll also dive into the set’s gathering of Marx family home movies, as well as the super rare bonus disc...which may include the best (and worst) clips of all! Don’t miss this show, unless you want to hear good things about Minnesota Fats... NOTE: North American fans can access many of these clips and shows for free on shoutfactorytv.com
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The Marx Brothers Council Podcast - 34 “OUR DINNER WITH DEEZEN”

34 “OUR DINNER WITH DEEZEN”

The Marx Brothers Council Podcast

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04/28/21 • 89 min

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.
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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.
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The Marx Brothers Council Podcast - 31 “Our BRAIN DONORS Special” (featuring David Zucker and Pat Proft)
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01/29/21 • 79 min

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
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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
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The Marx Brothers Council Podcast - 28 “Flywheel, Shyster, and Tefteller”

28 “Flywheel, Shyster, and Tefteller”

The Marx Brothers Council Podcast

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10/27/20 • 136 min

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.
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The Marx Brothers Council Podcast - 27 “A Compilation, a Sandwich, and You”

27 “A Compilation, a Sandwich, and You”

The Marx Brothers Council Podcast

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09/07/20 • 100 min

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
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The Marx Brothers Council Podcast - 40 “Aboard This Tiny Ship” (featuring Nell Minow “The Movie Mom”)
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11/05/21 • 40 min

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, as well as what she has in common with Andy Marx...and perhaps John Tefteller...and maybe even Steve Stoliar. A snappy, commute-sized episode! Name dropped in this podcast: Marlo Thomas, William F. Buckley, Superman
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FAQ

How many episodes does The Marx Brothers Council Podcast have?

The Marx Brothers Council Podcast currently has 86 episodes available.

What topics does The Marx Brothers Council Podcast cover?

The podcast is about Film History, Visual Arts, Podcasts, Arts and Tv & Film.

What is the most popular episode on The Marx Brothers Council Podcast?

The episode title '40 “Aboard This Tiny Ship” (featuring Nell Minow “The Movie Mom”)' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on The Marx Brothers Council Podcast?

The average episode length on The Marx Brothers Council Podcast is 91 minutes.

How often are episodes of The Marx Brothers Council Podcast released?

Episodes of The Marx Brothers Council Podcast are typically released every 29 days, 4 hours.

When was the first episode of The Marx Brothers Council Podcast?

The first episode of The Marx Brothers Council Podcast was released on Mar 26, 2018.

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