61 “Groucho, Harpo, Chico, and Sometimes Scardino” featuring Don Scardino

“30 Rock”, “Only Murders in the Building”, “2 Broke Girls”, “The West Wing”…this is a minuscule sampling of series directed by our guest, director/actor/producer Don Scardino, a rabid Marx Brothers fan since the 1960’s. We explore Don’s Marx backstory and how they’ve influenced his work. He talks in-depth about making comedy, with behind-the-scenes tales going back to his days as a performer in the original production of “Godspell”. Don gives his thoughts on what makes a good Marx Brothers director, and why he thinks their later career went the way it did. Don also details his latest film, the soon-to-be-released “Our (Almost Completely True) Love Story” which has a Marx Brothers fanatic at its center…and what it was like to work with thousands of worms in 1976’s “Squirm”.

01:23:33

60 “The Misty Corridors of Time” Our 60th Episode Retrospective

On the occasion of our sixtieth episode (not counting the ones we don’t count), we look back at the history of The Marx Brothers Council Podcast. Starting with its origins, as most stories do, we recount memorable moments, surprising guests, and our few regrets...topped off by hopes and plans for the future. And to pay the bills, we also talk some actual Marx Brothers, as we discuss which films we’ve changed our mind most about over the years. This is our way of thanking you all for sticking with us after the “Skidoo” deep dive.

01:09:48

59 “Flywheel Rides Again” featuring Mark Brisenden

The lost 1932 Groucho/Chico radio series “Flywheel, Shyster, and Flywheel” has long been a white whale for Marx fans. While the scripts were discovered in 1988, and a few tantalizing recordings have turned up (with more coming soon), it was the 1990-1992 adaptations by Mark Brisenden for the BBC which allowed new generations of fans to enjoy the series. Mark joins us for an oral history of the project, starting with becoming a Marx fan at age six, getting his feet wet writing comedy, and eventually landing at the BBC…where persistence made the “Flywheel” revival a reality. We’ll hear about Mark’s encounters with original writer Nat Perrin, as well as the legendary Spike Milligan, who was not only a fan of the show, but made a guest appearance.

01:14:39

58 “Acid Reflux” - our ‘Skidoo’ deep dive featuring Cinco Paul

This month, we welcome back “Schmigadoon!” co-creator/showrunner Cinco Paul to help sift thru the curiosity that is Groucho Marx’s final film appearance, the ‘far-out’ 1968 comedy, “Skidoo.” You don’t need to like (or even have seen) the film to enjoy our discussion of the whats, whys, and what-ifs from a movie that’s not quite as half-assed as you expect it to be. What was Groucho thinking? What was Preminger thinking? What does Jackie Gleason sound like after taking LSD? You’ll hear our thoughts on these…plus the tragic tale of one of your hosts who, after numerous viewings, is actually starting to like “Skidoo.”

01:38:53

57 “So This Is Dr. Film” featuring Eric Grayson

Film preservationist and collector Eric Grayson joins us to examine the 2023 state of the Marx Brothers’ catalog. We discuss which films have missing, damaged, or subpar footage (and we don’t mean “Go West”), and whether there is any hope for upgrades. Eric gets into the weeds with info that will surprise even the most knowledgeable fan. We’ll also examine the copyright issues that the Marx films will soon face, and look forward to how AI technology may help in restoration efforts. Finally, you’ll find out what happens when we have a guest who’s never heard our podcast.

01:57:43

56 “Question Marx”

Once again we dip into the mailbag for questions and comments from our loyal listeners. Bob joins us to serve as quizmaster, as we discuss subjects such as post-Duck Soup Freedonia/Sylvania relations, Marx pets, Matthew’s and Noah’s book sale numbers, and Groucho’s connection to the Chicago 7 trial. Of course, we can’t ignore the um, er…well, let’s just say the recently discovered “Horse Feathers” stills. Talk about pre-code!

01:10:07

55 "Did You Ever Sit and Ponder as You Walk Along the Strand?"

What if Eddie Buzzell directed “Horse Feathers”? What if the Marxes did a film with Mae West? What if Harpo and Chico made shorts in the 1940’s?… And what if Matthew and Noah did an episode pondering these questions and more? Yep, your Marx Brothers daydreams are this month’s topic, as the guys give into baseless speculation sure to please everyone…or not. Later, they are joined by musician Dan O’Farrell, who performs his self-penned tune, “Zeppo Speaks”.

01:21:16

54 “There’s an Honored Guest Tonight” featuring Brett Leveridge

Piggybacking on Robert Bader’s superb “Groucho & Cavett” documentary, we are joined by Brett Leveridge, Marxfest co-host and house manager for Noah’s “I’ll Say She Is” revival, for an in-depth look at more of Groucho’s late-career talk and game show appearances. Groucho’s wonderfully disruptive guest shots on “What’s My Line?” “The Tonight Show” and “The Dating Game” are dissected, as well as his surprisingly serious and thoughtful debate with William F. Buckley, Jr. on “Firing Line.” We also examine Groucho’s fascinating “Dick Cavett Show” encounter with Dan Rowan. …and don’t worry; all of these clips are available for viewing on our blog at marxbrotherscouncilpodcast.com In addition, Brett tells his backstory of becoming a Marx fan in Oklahoma City, and we pay tribute to the late Richard J. Anobile.

02:10:33

53 “Duck Privates” featuring Nick Santa Maria

With Matthew and Nick’s book, “The Annotated Abbott & Costello” hitting the shelves, it is the perfect time to discuss the duo’s appeal, or sometimes lack thereof, to Marx Brothers fans. We almost entitled this ep, “Nick & Matthew Meet the Skeptic: Noah Diamond” as he has been resistant to Abbott & Costello’s charms so far. The guys put Noah to the test with choice clips to gauge his reaction (sorry folks, no “Who’s on First?”). Will his preconceptions be shattered? The guys also discuss the differences between the two teams, try to decipher exactly what is going on in Bud Abbott’s head...and wonder if Bud, in fact, was the funnier of the pair. We know you’ll enjoy this as sure as 7 x 13 = 28.

01:35:57

52 “I Got a Fire Engine!” featuring Brian Levant

Director/writer/producer Brian Levant (“Happy Days” “Beethoven” “The Flintstones” “Still The Beaver”) discusses his Marx-inspired career and new book “My Life and Toys”; a compilation of photos of his memorabilia collection…including unique Marx Brothers and classic comedy items. Brian recalls his discovery of the team under trying circumstances, his two first-hand encounters with Groucho, and the time when George Fenneman met Fonzie! Brian also gives his thoughts on each Marx film…and where they went astray. And stay tuned after the end song for details on our upcoming Patreon venture, and the special rewards that could be yours.

01:41:31