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★★★★★

4.8

from

137 reviews

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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, notable fans, and even family members. New episodes post monthly. For more info or to leave a comment, visit us at: marxbrotherscouncilpodcast.com Follow us on Twitter: @MarxBrosPodcast or Bluesky: ‪@marxbrotherscouncilpodcast.com And join the lively discussion on 'The Marx Brothers Council' Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1389369721281242 Contact us directly at: [email protected]

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Check latest episodes from The Marx Brothers Council Podcast podcast

98 The Kindest Uncut of All (featuring David Koenig)

2026/10/23

Hot off the presses, THE UNCUT MARX BROTHERS explores comedy bits, scenes, and storylines that, for one reason or another, never made it to the screen. Author David Koenig joins us to detail his discoveries, and how he uncovered these rare materials. Noah delivers a rundown of discarded Groucho character names, while Matthew unveils something you never imagined you'd ever hear… Without question, one of our most important episodes.

97 Ten Thrilling Years (featuring Noah Diamond)

2026/09/28

A decade after publication, we celebrate Noah’s "Gimme a Thrill", his acclaimed book about the Marx Brothers’ lost Broadway debut, "I’ll Say She Is", and the remarkable effort to bring it back to life. With Noah temporarily promoted to guest, we look back at the book’s creation, the research and discoveries behind it, and what may in store for ISSI’s second hundred years.

96 Room Service Reordered

2026/08/31

We check back into Room Service, this time putting the spotlight on listener comments about the much-debated 1938 Marx adaptation of the Broadway hit. We rethink the film’s restrained version of the team, missed opportunities, and which brother surprisingly fares best. It’s a lively back-and-forth featuring defenses, complaints, fresh observations and some wonderfully specific nitpicking. By the end, Room Service may not have won everyone over, but it certainly gives us plenty to argue about.

EMERGENCY PODCAST (featuring Bob Stryker)

2026/08/11

Stop the presses—one of the great mysteries of Marx Brothers fandom has finally been solved! After decades of anonymity, the manicurist from A Night at the Opera has a name. Bob Stryker joins us to explain how he stumbled onto the elusive answer, and we follow the story from a brief onscreen appearance to her surprising later career working behind the scenes in Hollywood.

95 Who You Gonna Believe, Me or Your Own Eyes?

2026/07/28

Today, we spotlight two new Marx releases that are a feast for the eyes: Richard S. Greene’s book, "Marx Madvertising", overflowing with ads, stills, and promotional artwork, then (at 43:56) Andrew Murchie's fascinating new 3D conversion of "Animal Crackers"—available on disc or as a download, complete with a commentary by your favorite podcast hosts. We talk with both creators about how these passion projects came to life and what fans can expect. We also explore how modern tools are helping preserve—and even reimagine—Marx history, from restoring fragile artwork to bringing the Brothers (even Zeppo) into three dimensions.

94 The British Eyles (featuring Allen Eyles)

2026/06/25

We’re proud to welcome Allen Eyles, author of 1966’s "The Marx Brothers: Their World of Comedy"—the first in-depth look at the team’s films—and its successor, 1992’s "The Complete Films of the Marx Brothers", for his first-ever podcast on these landmark works. The conversation ranges from Eyles’ favourite (see what we did there) British comedians to his accidental status as the world’s foremost authority on the missing "Horse Feathers" footage. Along the way, he recalls the Herculean efforts needed to study Marx films in the pre home-video era, and reflects on his evolving opinions of the Brothers' filmography.

93 “A Day at the Races” Resaddled (featuring The Marx Brothers Council)

2026/05/28

Listeners share their thoughts on the most divisive Marx film. Is it the last hurrah or the last straw? We sift through comments on everything from Tootsie-Frootsie to the excised “Dr. Hackenbush” song, while confronting the water carnival sequence that turns watching the movie into a hostage situation. We also take on the film’s most uncomfortable sequence, doing our best to put it in perspective... Along the way, there are Beatles comparisons, Lindy Hop history, and a listener who thankfully wasn’t one of Chico’s children. And as always, enough nitpicking to put any fan under observation at the Standish Sanitarium.

92 N.Y. a Duck? (The MBCP LIVE)

2026/04/17

Matthew joins us in New York City for our first-ever episode in front of a live audience, recorded at the Museum of the Moving Image—just steps from Kaufman-Astoria Studios, where the Marxes filmed their first two movies. We kick things off with a quick dive into Horse Feathers (because The Cocoanuts or Animal Crackers felt a little too obvious), before welcoming Craig Shemin for a look at the studio’s ongoing history. Next, we take questions from the audience, and are then joined by the great Cinco Paul, whose Schmigadoon! is set to premiere on Broadway. Finally, we make a special announcement about an upcoming project before Cinco serenades us with a closing song.

91 Whatever Will B. Johnstone (featuring Meg Farrell)

2026/04/01

We welcome ethnomusicologist Meg Farrell, the great-granddaughter of Will B. Johnstone—an unsung hero of the Marx story who helped set the template for their act with I’ll Say She Is, and later contributed to Monkey Business, Horse Feathers, and A Day at the Races. Meg treats us to entries from “Grandpit’s” private diaries, revealing surprising Marx Brothers tales from the 1920s, and insights into his day job as a political cartoonist. We’ll also discuss the importance of the Napoleon scene from ISSI, Johnstone’s complicated relationship with S.J. Perelman, and speculate on his specific contributions to their films.

MBCP SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

2026/03/06

April 12th, 2026. NYC. A unique event. More details at: https://movingimage.org/event/horse-feathers/

90 The Marx Others (featuring Brett Leveridge and Trav S.D.)

2026/02/27

We turn our attention to the Marx family circle—on and off stage—highlighting relatives and influences that shaped the team. We examine the showbiz roots of Minnie’s parents, the short life of Manfred, and figures like Aunt Hannah, Cousin Polly, Mabel O'Donnell, and Lou Levy. We question common assumptions about Minnie and Frenchie, with Brett Leveridge shedding light on Minnie’s brief fling in the soft drink business. Then, Trav S.D. returns to discuss Uncle Al Shean—his role in the Brothers’ development, and his famed partnership with Ed Gallagher.

89 “A Night at the Opera Reorchestrated” featuring The Marx Brothers Council

2026/01/27

The guys respond to insightful audience comments on the brothers’ MGM classic. Is the film actually more like their Paramount work than we give it credit for? Does the brothers’ career trajectory resemble that of Picasso—or Elvis? And did Margaret Dumont actually land a joke? These and other truly life-altering questions are debated, dissected, and delightfully overthought.

88 “The Joy of Marx” featuring Joy Harmon

2025/12/22

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. --------- (EDIT 4/26): R.I.P. Joy Harmon, who passed away some five months after this chat was recorded. It was likely her final interview. ---------

87 “At’sa Some Joke, Eh, Boss?” featuring Elliott Kalan

2025/11/30

Award-winning writer/comedian and longtime Marx Brothers obsessive Elliott Kalan ("The Daily Show", "MST3K", "The Flop House", and the new book, "Joke Farming") takes us deep into the craft of professional comedy writing with a nice dose of Marx-inspired examples. Elliott details the difference between satire and parody, defends the noble pun, and tells the story behind his delightfully chaotic Marx-flavored children’s book, "Sharko and Hippo".

86 “Duck Soup Reheated” featuring The Marx Brothers Council

2025/10/30

Council members weigh in with their takes on the 1933 classic. We dive into the big questions: Is the film genuine satire or just anarchy in disguise? Which supporting characters truly “deserve” the wrath of the Marxes? And why is there not even incidental sound in the famed mirror scene? We’ll also discuss the difficulty some folks apparently have in fitting the entire movie on a VHS tape. Join us as we spin our wheels trying to find logic in the brothers’ most illogical film.

Podcast reviews

Read The Marx Brothers Council Podcast podcast reviews

4.8 out of 5

137 reviews

★★★★★

Unisphere64 2025/04/03

Excellent info and excellent hosts!

What more can be said? (I say.)

★★★★★

RogerMcGoon 2025/02/13

Sanity Clause

Essential listening for any true Marx fan!

★★★★★

Jeff, Chicago 2022/11/10

Essential listening and also a lot of fun

It’s definitely a podcast for true Marx Brothers fans. When they do a deep dive, it is a DEEP dive. But always with a great sense of fun. They are sc...

★☆☆☆☆

Groucho4Life 2022/07/15

A good feeling turned sour

I wanted to listen to a fun podcast about the Marx Brothers, but unfortunately this podcast spends a great deal of time criticizing the Marx Brothers....

★★★★★

Elian Kaz 2022/02/23

THE Marx Brothers Go-To

By far one of the best sources for all things Marx, presented in a most entertaining format.

★★★★★

drgrdrg 2022/01/29

a fantastic podcast !!

you guys have rekindled my love of The Marx Brothers… as a kid, i received hand-me-downs from my older brother -- books, LP’s & VHS tapes (movies tape...

★★★★★

Erica_L_Sweeney 2021/08/07

A Myst for Classic Film Fans!

As a longtime Marx Brothers fan, I am ashamed to say that I only discovered this podcast a week ago. Hosts Noah Diamond, Bob Gassel, and Matthew Conia...

★★★★★

L. Touchpaper 2021/07/27

Goldmine

Immensely entertaining. Keep up the good work, guys!

★★★★★

Gary zenker 2021/02/27

Awesome entertainment

Love love love and look forward to every episode. This last one was just over an hour. I like really long ones, keep talking, guys. Love the opinions ...

★★★★★

yolaradio 2020/11/19

Better than two hard boiled eggs. Honk! Honk!

Make that three hard boiled eggs. The Flywheel episode in November 2020 was one of the best things I’ve heard in a long time. Absolutely fascinating!...

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