Episode 88: The Joy of Marx (featuring Joy Harmon)

Few people remember Tell It to Groucho, the early-sixties attempt to recapture the magic that had made You Bet Your Life so successful for so long. But everyone remembers Joy Harmon, whether they’ve seen her assisting Groucho on Tell It, or appearing as a contestant on You Bet Your Life, or washing a car in Cool Hand Luke, or, more recently, as a beloved Hollywood baker of cakes and other sweet treats.

We were overjoyed — or really just Joyed enough — to welcome Ms. Harmon as our guest for the final Marx Brothers Council Podcast of 2025. She discusses her experiences with Groucho and tells us how she went from Broadway to Hollywood. As is so often the case, the details of her personal relationship with Groucho challenge popular perceptions of him and reveal a kind, thoughtful, and protective father figure.

Thanks for joining us for another year of shows! We’ll see you in 2026 with more and more.

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Official description: “Matthew and Noah take a closer look at Tell It to Groucho, the short-lived 1962 successor to You Bet Your Life. Though nearly identical in format, the series curiously never found its footing with audiences and was quickly cancelled.

“The guys are joined by the delightful Joy Harmon — Groucho’s assistant on Tell It, whom he first met when she appeared as a contestant on YBYL. Joy shares how she landed the role and reflects on her warm, affectionate working relationship with Groucho.”

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Episode 87: At’sa Some Joke, Eh, Boss? (featuring Elliott Kalan)