Episode 39: Why A Nobile? (Featuring Nick Santa Maria)

Official description: "This month, we take a deep dive into Richard J. Anobile’s controversial work from 1973, The Marx Bros. 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 Bros. Scrapbook contains very explicit language, and we oft-times quote or paraphrase passages, so be aware that this episode is not for sensitive listeners."

Groucho photo courtesy of Richard J. Anobile.

Note for early birds: When a new episode is released, it might not appear at all of the locations below right away. If you visit your favorite podcast provider and the previous episode is still the most recent one you see there, be patient! And above all, don't worry.

Download an MP3 directly to your computer.

Stream the episode via Cast.

Listen and subscribe via Google Podcasts.

Listen and subscribe via Apple Podcasts.

Listen and subscribe via Spotify.

Listen and subscribe via Stitcher.

Listen and subscribe via Blubrry.

Listen via YouTube:

 

There's Nothing Like Liberty: The Marx Brothers and America streams Friday, October 1

There's Nothing Like Liberty: The Marx Brothers and America, a multimedia program by Noah Diamond, presented by Freedonia Marxonia, has its streaming premiere Friday, October 1, 2021, at 7:00 pm ET.

This new "illustrated lecture" is the sequel to last year's presentation, Home Again: The Marx Brothers and New York City.

There's Nothing Like Liberty features guest appearances by Joe Adamson, Scott Alexander, Ira Dolnick, Hannah Mira, Reginald H. Pitts, Trav S.D., Scott A. Sandage, Seth Shelden, and Amanda Sisk; as well as artwork by Ed Draganski, Rik Sansone, and Tristan Yonce; and photo and video contributions from dozens of members of the Marx Brothers Council, helping to tell the story of the Brothers' vaudevillian odyssey.

The event streams for free, right here.

You can also access the stream at theresnothinglikeliberty.com, noahdiamond.com, and the Freedonia Marxonia website, and this article from BroadwayWorld has more details.

Please join us on Friday evening! Live Q&A to follow.

This presentation is supported by a grant from the Carnahan Jackson Humanities Fund of the Fredonia College Foundation. Freedonia Marxonia is supported by the Hahn Family Freedonia Marxonia Fund of the Fredonia College Foundation.

Episode 38: Help-a Those Kids (featuring Hannah Mira)

School and schoolteachers are a recurring theme in the Marx Brothers' work, from their earliest vaudeville comedy (Fun in Hi Skule), to the zenith of their Hollywood years (Horse Feathers), to the professorial quizmaster of You Bet Your Life and the childhood memoirist of Harpo Speaks. On this episode, our special guest is a real live teacher, who has used the Brothers' films as a curriculum for students in extraordinary circumstances. We say this every month, I know, but this is a good one.

Hannah Mira

Official description: "And now for something completely different...

"After relating our first impressions of the Marxes from way back when, we are joined by educator Hannah Mira, who details her fascinating story of screening Marx Brothers (and other classic) films to incarcerated teenagers, and their surprisingly positive response to them.

"A lifelong Marx fan, Hannah uses the brothers’ antics not only as entertainment, but also 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). Hannah also tells of a surprising encounter with a Harpo painting.

"Of course, we are on our best behavior with a teacher present, but still find time for a few spitball fights."

Hannah says: "If listeners want to help at-risk youth stay out of juvenile hall / jail, please have them visit Homeboy Industries. It is the largest gang rehabilitation and re-entry program on the planet and the work they do is incredible. Donations and volunteers are always needed. The headquarters is in Los Angeles but they have outreach around the world."

Note for early birds: When a new episode is released, it might not appear at all of the locations below right away. If you visit your favorite podcast provider and the previous episode is still the most recent one you see there, be patient! And above all, don't worry.

Download an MP3 directly to your computer.

Stream the episode via Cast.

Listen and subscribe via Google Podcasts.

Listen and subscribe via Apple Podcasts.

Listen and subscribe via Spotify.

Listen and subscribe via Stitcher.

Listen and subscribe via Blubrry.

Listen via YouTube:

 

Here's the Harpo painting discussed by Hannah in the episode:

Episode 37: Raised Questions (featuring Steve Stoliar)

Last year, we had the honor of sharing, for the first time ever, Jay Hopkins' 1979 interview with the multitalented Steve Stoliar, author of Raised Eyebrows: My Years Inside Groucho's House. Today, we've got an all-new conversation with Steve.

Official description: "We are honored to welcome Steve Stoliar, author of the iconic Raised Eyebrows: My Years Inside Groucho’s House.

"Outspoken as ever, Steve is as entertaining as he is candid. But what do you ask a guy who’s been interviewed on just about every podcast known to man (including ours)? Well, we didn’t know either, so we farmed the questions out to our loyal listeners.

"Steve updates us on the Raised Eyebrows movie, and you won’t believe who stays up at night thinking about the casting. He further details life with Erin Fleming, and Groucho’s taste in music, movies, and TV…including a trip to a rock concert. And if you’ve ever wondered what happens when Steve and Dick Cavett get together with a whoopee cushion, wonder no longer!

"To get a personally autographed copy of Raised Eyebrows, go to http://stevestoliar.com/shop."

Note for early birds: When a new episode is released, it might not appear at all of the locations below right away. If you visit your favorite podcast provider and the previous episode is still the most recent one you see there, be patient! And above all, don't worry.

Download an MP3 directly to your computer.

Stream the episode via Cast.

Listen and subscribe via Google Podcasts.

Listen and subscribe via Apple Podcasts.

Listen and subscribe via Spotify.

Listen and subscribe via Stitcher.

Listen and subscribe via Blubrry.

Listen via YouTube:

 

Episode 36: We Spit on Lester Cowan (Our Love Happy Deep Dive)

Well, you should have known we'd do this eventually. Please join us -- we're begging you -- for a discussion of the universally beloved classic Love Happy. It may not be everyone's favorite Marx Brothers movie -- it may not even be a Marx Brothers movie -- but you have to admit, it is a movie. 

Official description: "DISCLAIMER: Since producer Lester Cowan defied contractual agreements and billed this as starring 'The Marx Brothers,' we are obligated to do an episode about it.

"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 was the first to agree to appear in a Harpo solo film, 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."

Note for early birds: When a new episode is released, it might not appear at all of the locations below right away. If you visit your favorite podcast provider and the previous episode is still the most recent one you see there, be patient! And above all, don't worry.

Download an MP3 directly to your computer.

Stream the episode via Cast.

Listen and subscribe via Google Podcasts.

Listen and subscribe via Apple Podcasts.

Listen and subscribe via Spotify.

Listen and subscribe via Stitcher.

Listen and subscribe via Blubrry.

Listen via YouTube:

 

Make Yourself Listen to Make Him Watch It!

 

Our pal Cinco Paul, screenwriter, songwriter, and Marx Brothers Council Podcast guest (Episode 5), has an excellent podcast of his own, Make Him Watch It, in which Cinco and his writing partner Ken Daurio make each other watch movies and discuss them. During Ken's break from the show, Cinco's been welcoming guest co-hosts, and recently the situation got so desperate that he invited us on! In this episode, Cinco makes us watch Paddy Chayefsky's The Hospital (1971), and we make him watch W.C. Fields' It's a Gift (1934). Give it a listen, and subscribe to Make Him Watch It -- every episode is a great, fun listen, and it really makes you want to make people watch things.

Episode 35: This Magnificent Chest

The most significant release of previously-unreleased Marx Brothers material occurred in 2014, when Shout Factory issued this magnificent chest -- no, this magnificent chest -- packed with over ten hours of (mostly) television appearances featuring Groucho, Harpo, and Chico Marx. The Marx Brothers TV Collection, curated by Robert Bader, has earned its place on our shelves, alongside the Brothers' films. In this epic episode, we examine the set (including the much-coveted bonus disc) in exquisite detail.

Official description: "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."

Note for early birds: When a new episode is released, it might not appear at all of the locations below right away. If you visit your favorite podcast provider and the previous episode is still the most recent one you see there, be patient! And above all, don't worry.

Download an MP3 directly to your computer.

Stream the episode via Cast.

Listen and subscribe via Google Podcasts.

Listen and subscribe via Apple Podcasts.

Listen and subscribe via Spotify.

Listen and subscribe via Stitcher.

Listen and subscribe via Blubrry.

Listen via YouTube:

 

Footnotes:

• Eleven selections from the collection, streaming free at shoutfactorytv.com (North America only)
  
  
• Purchase the collection from Shout Factory