Episodes

  • 74 “We Need To Talk About Erin” featuring David Fleming

    74 “We Need To Talk About Erin” featuring David Fleming
    Oct 31 2024
    David Fleming, Erin’s nephew, offers raw and compelling insight into the complex life of Groucho’s “secretary.” He recounts visits to his aunt at Groucho’s home and encounters with the man himself. We are treated to contemporary letters from Erin, describing life at the Marx house, her relationship with Groucho, and her later descent into madness. David shares firsthand memories of Erin’s battle with mental illness in explicit detail, and explains why it was predictable. He also speculates on why Groucho was drawn to Erin. A sympathetic yet unfettered exploration of a tragic story that you won’t find anywhere else. NOTE: This episode contains adult language and content.
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    1 hr and 29 mins
  • 73 “The Cocoanuts Revisited” featuring The Marx Brothers Council

    73 “The Cocoanuts Revisited” featuring The Marx Brothers Council
    Sep 30 2024
    After 72 episodes of you listening to us, today we listen to you, as Council members offer their insights and opinions of the Marxes’ first (surviving) film. Are its age and creakiness actually a blessing in disguise? How many tunes named “The Monkey Doodle Doo” did Irving Berlin actually compose? And why is Matthew comparing Oscar Shaw to Pavarotti? All this, and Eddie Deezen…need we say more? A podcast that you won’t want to end, and it almost doesn’t.
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    2 hrs and 31 mins
  • 72 “What If?” featuring Danny Fingeroth

    72 “What If?” featuring Danny Fingeroth
    Aug 30 2024
    Biographer, cultural critic, and comics veteran Danny Fingeroth joins Noah and Bob for a game of Marx Brothers "What If...?" inspired by the multiverse series Danny worked on in his days at Marvel Comics. They ask, what if Groucho had become a doctor? What if Chico had been good with money? What if Zeppo had been good at...well, performing? Danny also discusses growing up in the Marxes' old New York neighborhood and how Lee Harvey Oswald's killer Jack Ruby helped get Gabe Kaplan to participate in Marxfest.
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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • 71 "If She Figures That One Out, She's Good"

    71 "If She Figures That One Out, She's Good"
    Jul 24 2024
    Matthew and Noah share a few of the most perplexing Marx Brothers mysteries they've encountered in their research, which have remained unsolved despite considerable effort. No, this episode is not about Humor Risk or the manicurist. But Matthew will walk you down winding paths of confusion regarding the authorship of The Big Store and Double Dynamite, and Noah will call your attention to a Marx Bros. Scrapbook anomaly that can only be explained ridiculously.
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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • 70 “What Do You Get For Not Directing?”

    70 “What Do You Get For Not Directing?”
    Jun 28 2024
    This month the guys examine the directors of each of the Marx Brothers’ films. From Dick Smith of Humor Risk to The Incredible Jewel Robbery’s Mitchell Leisen, they discuss each director’s qualifications, and (Humor Risk aside) whether they elevated the material, brought their own perspectives, or simply stayed out of the way. Matthew provides detailed and often surprising biographical info, while Noah highlights specific moments where the directors shined—as well as the work of Edward Buzzell.
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    1 hr and 34 mins
  • 69 “Marxfest Memories” featuring Kathy Biehl and Jonny Porkpie

    69 “Marxfest Memories” featuring Kathy Biehl and Jonny Porkpie
    Jun 7 2024
    An in-depth report on Marxfest 2024 with two of Noah’s co-organizers, Kathy Biehl and Jonny Porkpie. Detailing each event, they share stories of the fans, presenters and performers who made it an unforgettable time. We’ll also share some choice audio clips. Along the way, you’ll learn the real reason why Groucho didn’t appear on “Welcome Back Kotter”, and hear Josh Max's McCartney-esque version of the “Love Happy” theme. In addition, we are thrilled to present three exclusive Marx Brothers radio excerpts provided by John Tefteller. These clips, from presumed-lost radio shows, premiered at the fest and will be featured in John’s upcoming release of restored Marx radio appearances, available (hopefully) later this year.
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    2 hrs and 51 mins
  • 68 “Miscellany Business” featuring Trav S.D.

    68 “Miscellany Business” featuring Trav S.D.
    Apr 26 2024
    “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.
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    1 hr and 20 mins
  • A Few Words About MARXFEST

    A Few Words About MARXFEST
    Apr 11 2024
    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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    6 mins