Episodes

  • 92 N.Y. a Duck? (The MBCP LIVE)

    92 N.Y. a Duck? (The MBCP LIVE)
    Apr 17 2026
    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.
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • 91 Whatever Will B. Johnstone (featuring Meg Farrell)

    91 Whatever Will B. Johnstone (featuring Meg Farrell)
    Apr 1 2026
    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.
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    1 hr and 30 mins
  • MBCP SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

    MBCP SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
    Mar 6 2026
    April 12th, 2026. NYC. A unique event.
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    5 mins
  • 90 The Marx Others (featuring Brett Leveridge and Trav S.D.)

    90 The Marx Others (featuring Brett Leveridge and Trav S.D.)
    Feb 27 2026
    We turn our attention to other members of 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.
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    1 hr and 32 mins
  • 89 “A Night at the Opera Reorchestrated” featuring The Marx Brothers Council

    89 “A Night at the Opera Reorchestrated” featuring The Marx Brothers Council
    Jan 27 2026
    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.
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    1 hr and 50 mins
  • 88 “The Joy of Marx” featuring Joy Harmon

    88 “The Joy of Marx” featuring Joy Harmon
    Dec 22 2025
    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. ---------
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    49 mins
  • 87 “At’sa Some Joke, Eh, Boss?” featuring Elliott Kalan

    87 “At’sa Some Joke, Eh, Boss?” featuring Elliott Kalan
    Nov 30 2025
    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".
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    1 hr and 53 mins
  • 86 “Duck Soup Reheated” featuring The Marx Brothers Council

    86 “Duck Soup Reheated” featuring The Marx Brothers Council
    Oct 30 2025
    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.
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    1 hr and 31 mins