Episodes

  • 77 “And Always Zeppo”

    77 “And Always Zeppo”
    Jan 30 2025
    Noah and Matthew dive into Robert S. Bader’s new book, Zeppo: The Reluctant Marx Brother, the first-ever biography of the universally acknowledged youngest Marx Brother. The guys explore Zeppo’s life of career shifts, ties to organized crime, and strained family relationships. They delve into why he didn’t bask in the glory of the Marxes’ 1960’s and 70’s resurgence, and find proof of his rumored great wit. Oh, and Matthew discovers a Groucho “Holy Grail” buried in Bader’s pages... Not too spoilery, this episode is a must-listen whether you’ve read the book or not.
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    55 mins
  • 76 “Animal Crackers Reopened” featuring The Marx Brothers Council

    76 “Animal Crackers Reopened” featuring The Marx Brothers Council
    Dec 20 2024
    Once again, our audience takes centerstage as we respond to listener comments on the Marxes’ second (or third) film… How is viewing the restored version akin to seeing the team live onstage? What is “insouciant whimsy”? Why is John Tefteller championing a bootleg? These are just a few of the questions we’ll ponder in another meeting of ‘The Matthew Coniam Appreciation Council’. We’ll also discuss why Chico arrives with an instrument he doesn’t play, and learn what famed comedian is not a fan of Lillian Roth.
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    1 hr and 31 mins
  • 75 “You Can’t Fool Me! There Ain’t No Santopadre!” featuring Frank Santopadre

    75 “You Can’t Fool Me! There Ain’t No Santopadre!” featuring Frank Santopadre
    Nov 28 2024
    Emmy-winning comedy writer and producer Frank Santopadre, renowned for co-hosting the often Marx-focused Gilbert Gottfried's Amazing Colossal Podcast, joins us for an insightful conversation. Frank shares how he first became a fan of the team and reveals his favorite Marx film (it’s not Go West, by the way). He also reflects on his time working with Gilbert, including memorable interviews with friends, family, and co-stars of the brothers. Frank illuminates the historical importance of these chats, as the number of people who personally knew or worked with the Marxes is rapidly dwindling. And yes, we’ll apologize now for the detour to Skidoo.
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • 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