I took my son to a weekend long Marx Bros film festival when he was about 8 years old to introduce him to their comedy. The first film we saw was Night at the Opera . He was very quiet watching the first scene with Groucho dining with Mrs Claypool . When I explained the man should always pay the bill at at a restaurant he realised the style of Groucho ‘s humour in giving her the bill to pay it . But when Harpo appeared on the screen my son laughed so much he kept sliding off his cinema seat . And during the crowded “ cabin scene “ with Groucho’s tag line “ And make that two hard boiled eggs “ he was on s journey that’s lasted for over 40 years and he introduced his two children to the Marc Bros and the laughter continued for another generation.
I loved coming across what you wrote because I remember the first time I saw a night at the Opera I also slid off my seat numerous times . I don't think I've ever done that again .
I love the Marx Brothers and their films. This was an exceptional documentary. I have an odd connection to them. As a young guy, I designed and built a custom stone wall at the home of Arthur Marx. He was very kind and gentlemanly to me and even paid me 500.00 more than I was billing him just because he loved my work and saw how hard I worked to get his stone wall done in a timely fashion. With the profits, I made, I had enough money to pay off all my debts and join the United States Air Force at age 17. He was a very, very nice gentleman to me and I shall never forget his kindness and generosity.
I stumbled upon the Marx brothers 46 years ago. I saw pics of their wax figures at the graumann's wax museum and didn't pay them any mind.. My older brother would rib me about watching the Marx brothers instead of every red blooded male's favorite , the three stooges. It would've been nice if they could've collaborated!
@Charles Dorsey hmmm? I'm not certain I can imagine such a collaboration being successful. Perhaps I'm not imaginative enough though. Regardless, best wishes to you and yours.
What a wonderful story! About this lovely man. Thank you for your service, to your Country Sir! It's touching to know that he appreciated your hard work, and rewarded you, and it became the catalyst for a new and rewarding career. Thank you for sharing your story! I truly appreciated hearing it. God bless you 🙏
I started playing the harp after I had discovered the Mark Brothers films. As a professional Harpist, Harpist technique is extremely unique. He was well established before he started having lessons with Mildred Dillon, and even still he would do trills with his third and fourth finger on some of his earlier films - - something nothing nobody else would ever do!! It was in the early 2000s that I was asked to do a recital down in Florida. I was offered the chance to play on Harpo Marx‘s harp - one of the Lyon & Healy harps he owned. (There was a plaque on the mechanism that stated that this harp was purchased by Arthur Marx on a certain date in the 1930s, so it was genuinely one of his harps.) I figured that if I was going to do a recital on Harpo’s harp, I simply had to play one of Harpo’s tunes. Believe it or not at the time, there was nothing published! All of those movie appearances and TV appearances have never been transcribed and put into printed music form. I spent weeks doing a “takedown “ of Harpo’s version of TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME that he played on I LOVE LUCY to get it actually on paper. I played it in the audience, loved it. Afterwards, a lady came up to me and said “I am a Harpist. But I’m also a psychic medium. I don’t care if you believe me or not, but Harpo was dancing excitedly behind you the entire time you played his piece!” I have no doubt of that at all. As far as I can tell, I was the first person to play one of his signature tunes on his harp. ruclips.net/video/yAeVjZbRYs8/видео.htmlsi=da_-4qX5SuZhE7VR
I grew up in the '50s, and Marx Brothers movies were shown frequently on TV. I have loved them since I was a kid, and still enjoy them. Thank you fot posting this most interesting video.
Groucho was a life-long fan of Gilbert and Sullivan. i wish the documentary had included information about the time he played Koko in 'The Mikado' in 1960, replacing Martyn Green, who had lost a leg in an accident the year before. His daughter Melinda played Peep-Bo in the same production.
Thank you so much!! Been a fan since staying in a motel near Disneyland around 1970. There was a very small theatre nearby showing all their movies and that is where my delight in the Marx brothers began. ❤️ And continues to this day.
Excellent documentary! I've been a devoted Marx Brothers fan for 45 years and have never before seen much of this footage or these rare photos. Extremely well done. Thank you for posting.
Steve is the most knowledgeable person still living today, on the Brothers. He worked for Groucho, for the last three and a half years of Groucho's life. From 1973-77. I highly recommend Steve's book, "Raised Eyebrow's" By Steve Stoliar.
Hello I’ve appreciated the comments from those who appreciated my comment about my son , when he was 8 , on seeing a Marx Bros film - Night at the Opera - laughing so much he kept sliding off his cinema seat . I have learnt others did the same in other areas of the world. And from Australia I have a story of Chico ‘s work history to pass on to Marx Bros fans . In 1948 Chico had a part in a stage show Vive Le Venus that played in Sydney and Melbourne . He was, apparently, having to keep working as he used to lose his income through being a heavy gambler in card games . Difficult for him but what joy he and his brothers gave to so many around the world
It's fantastic to see how much they're enjoyed by the young generations just now by way of You Tube reactions. They've actually got a bigger audience now because of this, and I absolutely love being able to watch these geniuses again through fresh eyes.,
Back in the 70s shortly before my last year in high school, I went and saw a couple of Marx Brothers movies. Up until then, I was virtually devoid of any actual personality. I was struck by Groucho's. So, I adopted his. I was still devoid of personality, but now I had his. He was always saying things I was thinking but I couldn't find the means to comfortably deliver my line, so to speak. The plan was hatched... I'll use his. It worked out very well over the decades. I lost my fear of having to speak in front of people and have been complimented on my humor and timing. I'm just doing Groucho, folks. RIP, boys! Good documentary. I am glad the Erin Fleming stuff was not a part of this.
I was first introduced to the Marx Brothers on T.V. watching reruns of their classic movies. Physical "slapstick" as it was known in vaudeville. I had no idea that they were that well loved and had such a loyal fan base for so many years. American comedy at it's finest! Thank God for You Tube!!!
From a time..when cars were cars... Women were ladies...men were gentlemen and talent was talent.... And that's we they once called the Golden Age of Hollywood........!!!
I’m actually in the middle of reading Harpos book “Harpo Speaks”. I definitely recommend it to anyone who loves the Marx Brothers. It’s been a great experience learning about their early childhoods
GREAT BOOK! I had to search for years to find it (years ago). This documentary is a disservice to Harpo by insinuation that he was not bright. He was a comic genius in pantomime. I also read Son of Harpo speaks and enjoyed it.
I absolutely agree. He was a comic genius, he had a very good grasp of what would make people laugh. I found it interesting that Harpo didn't think of himself as all that intelligent. He often talked about the gap between himself and the people he kept company with. His friends obviously felt differently about him and in several other books and interviews painted him as not only able to keep up with the leading thinkers of the day but to also add insights that few others could see. @@marylyn3081
@@carlmccumber Me too!! By the way your heading here should read "Inside The Marx Brothers" It's Marx not Marx's. PS Check out "The Marx Brothers Council Podcast" here on You Tube!!
@@VicMartino (The quote is ever-so-slightly paraphrased , but nonetheless profound.) *_"If we had some ham, we could have some ham and eggs, if we had some eggs."_* ~~ Groucho Marx
I read the book "Harpo Speaks" when I was 14 years old and I STILL love that book! Well written, interesting as well as funny, I stayed up all night one summer night to finish reading it, I could not put it down!❤
Such a nice job on this, thank you. I was 14 years old around 1972 when our local TV station in Chicago ran Marx Brothers movies at midnight. Became an instant nut over these guys. I have been watching more content lately. They are still awesome.😅
I knew Alan Alda while on MASH, drew material from Groucho. Even dressing up as the eponymous star, in the episode Yankee Doodle Doctor. But damn, I had no idea it was as much as it was, was
Thank you for posting this. It was so much fun to watch. I was one of those boomers who discovered the Marx Brothers back in the '60s. Along with Mae West and WC Fields. It could explain my completely irreverent sense of humor. But I still find them really funny
Just FABULOUS! I never saw this documentary either….I have been a fan since I was a little girl.. even bought a small DVD player to travel with, had my fav Max Brother’s movies and tons of You Bet Your Life episodes with me to watch ….. laughter is the GREATEST medicine and the Max Brother’s were and STILL are GREAT laugh doctors. Thank you for posting this…🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
I have a friend from my hometown in CA., whose mother was an actress, & was in the movie, "At the Circus"....He tells me, his mom, with her sarcastic tone, had to put Groucho in his place a few times....His mom was Eve Arden......
I've heard in a one-man show that the Marx Bothers became a comedy act in Nacogdoches, Texas. The story goes that they were performing a singing act at the time, when the crowd ran out of the theater because a mule was reported to have been running loose on the street. In response, Groucho began a rant, beginning with "Nacogdoches is full of roaches." Being from Texas, close to Nacogdoches, love this story. Especially because my father loved Groucho, especially his quick wit on You Bet Your Life.
I can never understand why people think 'The Big Store' and 'Go West' are their 'bad' movies - I have been watching them since I was a little boy, and I think they're wonderful.
Top-rate and informative. Grew up a fan. Memorized and performed so many scenes with friends and family, as we all did. Learned a lot from this superb documentary.
Dear Mr. Cucumber, this was one of the most delightful reminiscinces I ever reminisced, and if that wasn't enough call the bellhop and have your trousers pressed!
This is great! The closest I ever got was working at a resort hotel where George Fenneman stayed several times. We talked about Groucho a bit. He was more surprised I knew who he was.
My Mom was friends with George and his wife Peg. They all went to college together at San Francisco State, along with Bob Sweeney, who was a successful television actor and director, and Jim Fritzell, who was a writer on several well known sitcoms. I swam in George's pool at his house in Sherman Oaks when we were on vacation in Southern California one year in the 60s, when I was around 10 or 11 years old. If my memory isn't failing me, their son Cliff became a producer/director. After a quick search, I see on IMDB that he was a producer and associate producer on Dallas, and associate producer on Walker, Silk Stalkings, and a few other series, as well as directing several episodes of Dallas, and working as second unit director, editor, production manager, title designer, cameraman, and post production supervisor on several projects
@@DougMen1 huh, some episodes of Silk Stalkings were filmed at the resort I work at. (Actually I think I'm wrong about it being silk stalkings. It was some cheesy pseudo romance sort of Cinemax sex show)
My brothers introduced me to the manic, hilarious Marx Brothers when I was 8 years old. Groucho and Harpo are my favorites. Their act will never grow stale!
I saw "The Marx Brothers Go West" In Paris in 1965, with French subtitles. The one comment that did not get subtitled was when Groucho was tying up and gagging the train's engineer -- Groucho turned to the camera and said, "This is the best gag in the whole movie!" Apparently, there was no way to translate that into French and keep the pun.
"go west" and "the big store" are two very underrated marx bros movies. "go west" is one of the best western parodies ever made. the stage coach scene is one the funniest things i ever saw. and, aside from great comedy, "the big store" offers some excellent swing musical numbers. these two films were like comeback films after the dismal films "roon service" and "at the circus." i always thought it odd that offstage, of the three, chico attracted the most ladies. with groucho's wit and harpo's endearing and lovable man/child persona i thought they'd be the one's getting all the ladies. i'll always love the marx bros.
@@probyful ... i'm glad you liked them. they definately had their moments. but my point was the critics routinely "trash" the marx bros films that followed "a day at the races." but i disagree. i think "go west" and "the big store" are highly underrated and deserve more credit than the critics and many fans give them.
I heartilly agree with most of the commemts. Finally an in - depth short documentery that has good narration and some really great film clips of the Marx brothers. Many that I 've not seen.
The Marx brothers were decades ahead of their time. I don't think there is a movie star anywhere who can claim every single one of their movies was terrific so, who cares if they made some duds? So many of their movies were great, are great and always will be great.
Ahead of their time? They were a product of their time-New York, family, Judaism, music, the stage/vaudeville, film. To say they’re ahead of their time is to suggest that the bros have been equaled, and that hasn’t happened.
@@Brian-uy2tj Well, ok, you go to hell too, I guess. But if you like the Marx Bros you can't be too bad. You're correct about Python and the Marxes: physical-verbal, antic but smart. I wouldn't be surprised if the bros influenced Python, but I don't know that's true. Surely at least one of them must be (or have been) a major fan.
I love the Marx Brothers.....i was fortunate to see Groucho in 1972, in San Francisco, in one of the the 2 shows he did..one in New York..the other here ..recorded an album, An Evening With Groucho Marx. ..still have my Ticket Stub and Poster.. and of course, the Album what a treat it was ...
51:50 Chico Marx passed away on October 11, 1961 from arteriosclerosis at age of 74 52:49 Three years later, Harpo Marx passed away (his 28th wedding anniversary) on September 28, 1964 from massive heart attack at age of 75, 54:16 Thirteen years later Gummo Marx passed away on April 21, 1977 from cerebral hemorrhage at age 84, four months later Groucho Marx also passed away on August 19, 1977 from pneumonia at age of 86 54:41 Two years later Zeppo Marx passed away from lung cancer on November 30th 1979 at age of 78.
Chico Marx also had a Jazz Band and discovered Barney Kessel and Charlie Christian zazz guitar Giants. Barney Kessel was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma. One of the finest guitarists in jazz history, he was largely self-taught after just three months of lessons at the age of 12. At age 19 Kessel went from Muskogee to Los Angeles. Some local musicians told him about a rooming house for musicians not far from the bus station. There was nobody there when the phone rang in the hall, so Barney answered. They were looking for Charley Christian the guitar player. Kessel said "I am the guitar player", went down for the audition and landed his first job which was with Chico. " We played a lot of theaters, we did the Roxy in New York. We played the Blackhawk restaurant for four months in Chicago, and when Chico did his numbers - his stage show - he would lead the band, we'd play with him". After touring for a year, Kessel settled in Los Angeles. He later was to play with band leaders like Charlie Barnet, Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw and Charlie Parker.
The Marx Brothers' genius was a national treasure. Some of the best tv sitcoms over the years mimicked the Marx Brothers. Perhaps the Mash tv series makes the best example.
The only thing that got me through the loss of 2 close relatives last year was watching Groucho and Marx Brothers they were total one offs. How ironic that sweet and good Harpo was actually called Adolf. Well done and thank you Minnie 💎💙🙏
In 1957, between Steve Allen's moving on and Jack Paar replacing him, the Tonight Show had a hiatus. Two episodes of a half-hour show, "Tonight, America After Dark" included the episode of February 18. It featured all FIVE Marx Brothers! I would give my eye teeth to see it!
If you all would like a true deep dive into the incredibly brilliant comedy mind of Groucho Marx, read the book "The Groucho Letters: Letters from and to Groucho Marx." I have an original letterpress edition from my late father's library and have read it many times. You will not stop laughing, and you will read his ROTFL letters over and over again. One of my very favorites is the multi-letter exchange between Groucho and Warner Brothers regarding the parody film "A Night In Casablanca." The very best part about this book is that, as you read the letters, you hear them in your head being spoken as Groucho Marx's famous character, Rufus T. Firefly.
My mother saw them at the Paramount theater in Seattle and got their autographs outside the stage door. I still have Groucho and Harpo's autographs. My Millennial kids don't seem that interested. I hope they don't throw them away when I'm gone.
I've been told they used to try out material (jokes, gags, timing etc) for upcoming movie[s] by going "up north" and often the writers were in those audiences keeping tabs on what worked or didn't...even to the point of timing the audience laughter so as not to step on "a next line" & losing it.
I grew up in the middle of nowhere, and it was usually too hot to play outside. That meant we'd plop ourselves down on the rug and watch old shows, movies, cartoons, and such *for hours!* So, it hurts me to confess... I didn't know Groucho's mustache was often painted on. In my defense, the tv was a tiny black and white
loved the marx bros since i was a child in the 60's & more than 50 years later my daughter has a large framed print of the four of them all dressed as groucho which i'd decorated my first home in the 80's in pride of place on the wall of her home & it's not unnoticeable being 1000mmX 600mm in size, they live on still.
Julius Marx was Groucho, but not because of his disposition. While the brothers were on the Vaudeville circuit, they kept their cash in "Grouch" bags close to their bodies (Like a money belt). His frugality with cash created his association with the grouch bag, therefore he was Groucho.
Groucho one time said that his nickname was based on the comic character, popular at the time. And if you read that page you'll see that it's about his disposition too
What experience have you had the boss said at a department store scene and grougho came up with “ I was a shop lifter for 3 years “ ??hahahahaha god that was good 😂😂😂😂😂😍🥰
The Marx Brothers films will always be classics, but it is Groucho who set himself apart with You Bet Your Life, with his ease of ad lib and sardonic humor….always straddling the line between what was acceptable at the time and what was not. He really was a true comic genius.
I agree. "You Bet Your Life" episodes are as entertaining today as they were 70 years ago. And it's all due to Groucho's quick wit and ability to improvise in response to his contestants' unrehearsed comments.
I agree. Groucho said that off-screen Zeppo was the funniest of the brothers. There just wasn't room in the act for 4 comedians. Apparently at one point, when Groucho was ill, Zeppo put on the greasepaint moustache and played Groucho's part - and got bigger laughs. This got back to Groucho - who pulled himself out of hospital and back to the stage ASAP!
@@andrewholliday251 they also say that Zeppo didn't want the part of a straight man, he wanted to be a comedian too And I've also read somewhere that Groucho probably got out off hospital so soon is because theatre executives wanted him/all the brothers or there's no deal
saw a double Marx bros. bill in a revival house, and I never laughed so hard in 3 hrs. or so ,in my life. the place was insane w/ laughter. in a WC Fields bio, I once read that during the vaudeville days, in his journal(or a letter), wrote that he'd just seen an act called the Marx Brothers, and was in stitches.
I saw The Big Store (arguably their worst film) in a crowded cinema - and even that one had the audience laughing throughout. Years later I saw Duck Soup on the big screen - and the audience laughed non-stop for the entire film. I've never seen an audience laugh so hard, so long. Even though I knew these were funny films - and had watched them many times at home - seeing them in a cinema is an entirely different, amazing experience. It occurs to me that a lot of 90% empty cinemas (totally dependent on junkfood sales) might do a lot better if they ran a lot more revivals sessions of older movies - and let word of mouth do the rest. It's gotta help a bottom line that these days is almost entirely dependent on the first weekend takings of a new release.
@@andrewholliday251 ABSOLUTELY. more revivals! that nite I was recalling it was 'a night at the opera' and probably 'Duck Soup'. I remember a guy who made headlines about 35 years ago, claiming that he was able to rid his body of cancer from renting stacks of comedy videos, chiefly the MARX Bros. he was so busy laughing he "didn't have time for the pain". humor can't be under estimated. nothing makes me feel better than a good, healthy laff. the scene where they switch the sheet music for the orchestra from a classical piece to 'take me out to the ballgame' is too funny. as far as TV goes, 'King of Queens' w/ Jerry Stiller in particular, puts me on the floor.
i remember the year grouch died. that year we also lost bing crosby and elvis. the marx brothers did for hollywood what edison did for the world,made it a lot brighter for everyone.
I took my son to a weekend long Marx Bros film festival when he was about 8 years old to introduce him to their comedy. The first film we saw was Night at the Opera . He was very quiet watching the first scene with Groucho dining with Mrs Claypool . When I explained the man should always pay the bill at at a restaurant he realised the style of Groucho ‘s humour in giving her the bill to pay it . But when Harpo appeared on the screen my son laughed so much he kept sliding off his cinema seat . And during the crowded “ cabin scene “ with Groucho’s tag line “ And make that two hard boiled eggs “ he was on s journey that’s lasted for over 40 years and he introduced his two children to the Marc Bros and the laughter continued for another generation.
Marc Bros? Marx's Brothers? What is it with this thread?
Relax Francis.
@@harveycan5820
I loved coming across what you wrote because I remember the first time I saw a night at the Opera I also slid off my seat numerous times . I don't think I've ever done that again .
@@leonardlevy8811
I love the Marx Brothers and their films. This was an exceptional documentary.
I have an odd connection to them. As a young guy, I designed and built a custom stone wall at the home of Arthur Marx. He was very kind and gentlemanly to me and even paid me 500.00 more than I was billing him just because he loved my work and saw how hard I worked to get his stone wall done in a timely fashion.
With the profits, I made, I had enough money to pay off all my debts and join the United States Air Force at age 17. He was a very, very nice gentleman to me and I shall never forget his kindness and generosity.
I stumbled upon the Marx brothers 46 years ago. I saw pics of their wax figures at the graumann's wax museum and didn't pay them any mind.. My older brother would rib me about watching the Marx brothers instead of every red blooded male's favorite , the three stooges. It would've been nice if they could've collaborated!
@Charles Dorsey hmmm? I'm not certain I can imagine such a collaboration being successful. Perhaps I'm not imaginative enough though. Regardless, best wishes to you and yours.
@@ciAMkia that would've been one wacky movie
@@ciAMkia there are some rare shots of three stooges swearing
What a wonderful story! About this lovely man. Thank you for your service, to your Country Sir!
It's touching to know that he appreciated your hard work, and rewarded you, and it became the catalyst for a new and rewarding career.
Thank you for sharing your story! I truly appreciated hearing it.
God bless you 🙏
I started playing the harp after I had discovered the Mark Brothers films. As a professional Harpist, Harpist technique is extremely unique. He was well established before he started having lessons with Mildred Dillon, and even still he would do trills with his third and fourth finger on some of his earlier films - - something nothing nobody else would ever do!!
It was in the early 2000s that I was asked to do a recital down in Florida. I was offered the chance to play on Harpo Marx‘s harp - one of the Lyon & Healy harps he owned. (There was a plaque on the mechanism that stated that this harp was purchased by Arthur Marx on a certain date in the 1930s, so it was genuinely one of his harps.)
I figured that if I was going to do a recital on Harpo’s harp, I simply had to play one of Harpo’s tunes. Believe it or not at the time, there was nothing published! All of those movie appearances and TV appearances have never been transcribed and put into printed music form. I spent weeks doing a “takedown “ of Harpo’s version of TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME that he played on I LOVE LUCY to get it actually on paper.
I played it in the audience, loved it. Afterwards, a lady came up to me and said “I am a Harpist. But I’m also a psychic medium. I don’t care if you believe me or not, but Harpo was dancing excitedly behind you the entire time you played his piece!”
I have no doubt of that at all. As far as I can tell, I was the first person to play one of his signature tunes on his harp.
ruclips.net/video/yAeVjZbRYs8/видео.htmlsi=da_-4qX5SuZhE7VR
I grew up in the '50s, and Marx Brothers movies were shown frequently on TV. I have loved them since I was a kid, and still enjoy them. Thank you fot posting this most interesting video.
discovered the brilliant marx brothers as kid in the 70's. the joy and laughter they give me to this day. true originals.
Groucho was a life-long fan of Gilbert and Sullivan. i wish the documentary had included information about the time he played Koko in 'The Mikado' in 1960, replacing Martyn Green, who had lost a leg in an accident the year before. His daughter Melinda played Peep-Bo in the same production.
Thank you so much!!
Been a fan since staying in a motel near Disneyland around 1970. There was a very small theatre nearby showing all their movies and that is where my delight in the Marx brothers began. ❤️ And continues to this day.
This was a great documentary about a great team. I watched them as a child of 1965, and felt they were a part of my childhood. I loved their work.
Excellent documentary! I've been a devoted Marx Brothers fan for 45 years and have never before seen much of this footage or these rare photos. Extremely well done. Thank you for posting.
Me too. I remember dressing as Harpo for Halloween in jr. High. I was shocked that even then people didn"t know me. What lack of culture !
J
Steve is the most knowledgeable person still living today, on the Brothers. He worked for Groucho, for the last three and a half years of Groucho's life. From 1973-77. I highly recommend Steve's book, "Raised Eyebrow's" By Steve Stoliar.
Thx, man. I'll have to check that out
They were truly one of a kind and a gift to us all. What a great documentary!
Hello I’ve appreciated the comments from those who appreciated my comment about my son , when he was 8 , on seeing a Marx Bros film - Night at the Opera - laughing so much he kept sliding off his cinema seat .
I have learnt others did the same in other areas of the world. And from Australia I have a story of Chico ‘s work history to pass on to Marx Bros fans . In 1948 Chico had a part in a stage show Vive Le Venus that played in Sydney and Melbourne . He was, apparently, having to keep working as he used to lose his income through being a heavy gambler in card games . Difficult for him but what joy he and his brothers gave to so many around the world
It's fantastic to see how much they're enjoyed by the young generations just now by way of You Tube reactions. They've actually got a bigger audience now because of this, and I absolutely love being able to watch these geniuses again through fresh eyes.,
Back in the 70s shortly before my last year in high school, I went and saw a couple of Marx Brothers movies. Up until then, I was virtually devoid of any actual personality. I was struck by Groucho's. So, I adopted his. I was still devoid of personality, but now I had his. He was always saying things I was thinking but I couldn't find the means to comfortably deliver my line, so to speak. The plan was hatched... I'll use his. It worked out very well over the decades. I lost my fear of having to speak in front of people and have been complimented on my humor and timing. I'm just doing Groucho, folks. RIP, boys!
Good documentary. I am glad the Erin Fleming stuff was not a part of this.
A Night at the Opera was my introduction to the Marx Brothers at 7 years old and now as adult I still love them. ❤️
Everyone knows there's no Sanity Clause!
@@bruceinoz8002 My favourite is when the room gets too full
I was first introduced to the Marx Brothers on T.V. watching reruns of their classic movies. Physical "slapstick" as it was known in vaudeville. I had no idea that they were that well loved and had such a loyal fan base for so many years. American comedy at it's finest! Thank God for You Tube!!!
From a time..when cars were cars... Women were ladies...men were gentlemen and talent was talent.... And that's we they once called the Golden Age of Hollywood........!!!
I’m actually in the middle of reading Harpos book “Harpo Speaks”. I definitely recommend it to anyone who loves the Marx Brothers. It’s been a great experience learning about their early childhoods
it's amazing. too many great bits to mention.
pinchie winchie.
a big Irish kid and a bigger Irish kid.
@@highstimulation2497 Let's not forget the story of Xapno Mapcase - International man of intrigue.
As soon as I finished reading 'Harpo Speaks' I proceeded to read his wife's book 'Speaking of Harpo'. Both books were very good.
GREAT BOOK! I had to search for years to find it (years ago). This documentary is a disservice to Harpo by insinuation that he was not bright. He was a comic genius in pantomime.
I also read Son of Harpo speaks and enjoyed it.
I absolutely agree. He was a comic genius, he had a very good grasp of what would make people laugh. I found it interesting that Harpo didn't think of himself as all that intelligent. He often talked about the gap between himself and the people he kept company with. His friends obviously felt differently about him and in several other books and interviews painted him as not only able to keep up with the leading thinkers of the day but to also add insights that few others could see. @@marylyn3081
One of the better docs on the Marx Brothers I’ve seen to date. I’ll re-watch it again later.
Good Marx Brothers documentary. Thanks for posting this Carl.
I am a huge fan!
@@carlmccumber Me too!! By the way your heading here should read "Inside The Marx Brothers" It's Marx not Marx's. PS Check out "The Marx Brothers Council Podcast" here on You Tube!!
@@VicMartino You raise a good point, but contrary to the popular myth, _"Typo"_ was not the lost Marx brother.
@@paradisepipeco LOL!
@@VicMartino (The quote is ever-so-slightly paraphrased , but nonetheless profound.)
*_"If we had some ham, we could have some ham and eggs, if we had some eggs."_*
~~ Groucho Marx
I read the book "Harpo Speaks" when I was 14 years old and I STILL love that book! Well written, interesting as well as funny, I stayed up all night one summer night to finish reading it, I could not put it down!❤
Such a nice job on this, thank you. I was 14 years old around 1972 when our local TV station in Chicago ran Marx Brothers movies at midnight. Became an instant nut over these guys. I have been watching more content lately. They are still awesome.😅
I knew Alan Alda while on MASH, drew material from Groucho. Even dressing up as the eponymous star, in the episode Yankee Doodle Doctor.
But damn, I had no idea it was as much as it was, was
And Trapper John was Harpo
Grouch loved that show!
The Meathead did some good Groucho impersonations as well don't you know!!
I liked M*A*S*H til Trapper and Henry Blake left
People forget how articulate Zeppo was. He could speak as well as Groucho.
He also was a great business man and bought orange groves. Survived the depression.
Thank you for posting this. It was so much fun to watch. I was one of those boomers who discovered the Marx Brothers back in the '60s. Along with Mae West and WC Fields. It could explain my completely irreverent sense of humor. But I still find them really funny
Groucho, WC and Mae were good friends.
Just FABULOUS! I never saw this documentary either….I have been a fan since I was a little girl.. even bought a small DVD player to travel with, had my fav Max Brother’s movies and tons of You Bet Your Life episodes with me to watch ….. laughter is the GREATEST medicine and the Max Brother’s were and STILL are GREAT laugh doctors. Thank you for posting this…🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
Max Brother's? Marx's Brothers? Marc Bros? It's contagious...
Thank you. Time well spent.
Born in 195?.. And I would watch these films as if it just came out.. Their comedy will never be match.. Thanks to the Marx Family..
I have a friend from my hometown in CA., whose mother was an actress, & was in the movie, "At the Circus"....He tells me, his mom, with her sarcastic tone, had to put Groucho in his place a few times....His mom was Eve Arden......
Wonderful overview, rare footage & personal background info! 👍👍
I've heard in a one-man show that the Marx Bothers became a comedy act in Nacogdoches, Texas. The story goes that they were performing a singing act at the time, when the crowd ran out of the theater because a mule was reported to have been running loose on the street. In response, Groucho began a rant, beginning with "Nacogdoches is full of roaches." Being from Texas, close to Nacogdoches, love this story. Especially because my father loved Groucho, especially his quick wit on You Bet Your Life.
I watched a Marx Bros. movie in London and had never seen a crowd so enjoy themselves. They ate it up. I enjoyed it beyond what I expected.
I can never understand why people think 'The Big Store' and 'Go West' are their 'bad' movies - I have been watching them since I was a little boy, and I think they're wonderful.
There is a lot of great stuff in both of those films! :)
After Thalberg died, they came under the thumb of Louis B. Mayer, who wasn't interested in continuing the careers at Metro!
Top-rate and informative. Grew up a fan. Memorized and performed so many scenes with friends and family, as we all did. Learned a lot from this superb documentary.
Dear Mr. Cucumber, this was one of the most delightful reminiscinces I ever reminisced, and if that wasn't enough call the bellhop and have your trousers pressed!
My Grandmother introduced me to the Marx Brothers when I was a pre-teen. A late night showing of The Cocoanuts. Loved them since
No Foul Language, Real Wit and Talent. I Guarantee You Laughed more during this Video then the Last time you watched SNL.
Loved loved loved the Marx Bros, thanks for this wonderful documentary...going to watch one right now!!!
This is great! The closest I ever got was working at a resort hotel where George Fenneman stayed several times. We talked about Groucho a bit. He was more surprised I knew who he was.
My Mom was friends with George and his wife Peg. They all went to college together at San Francisco State, along with Bob Sweeney, who was a successful television actor and director, and Jim Fritzell, who was a writer on several well known sitcoms. I swam in George's pool at his house in Sherman Oaks when we were on vacation in Southern California one year in the 60s, when I was around 10 or 11 years old. If my memory isn't failing me, their son Cliff became a producer/director. After a quick search, I see on IMDB that he was a producer and associate producer on Dallas, and associate producer on Walker, Silk Stalkings, and a few other series, as well as directing several episodes of Dallas, and working as second unit director, editor, production manager, title designer, cameraman, and post production supervisor on several projects
@@DougMen1 huh, some episodes of Silk Stalkings were filmed at the resort I work at. (Actually I think I'm wrong about it being silk stalkings. It was some cheesy pseudo romance sort of Cinemax sex show)
My brothers introduced me to the manic, hilarious Marx Brothers when I was 8 years old. Groucho and Harpo are my favorites.
Their act will never grow stale!
I saw "The Marx Brothers Go West" In Paris in 1965, with French subtitles. The one comment that did not get subtitled was when Groucho was tying up and gagging the train's engineer -- Groucho turned to the camera and said, "This is the best gag in the whole movie!" Apparently, there was no way to translate that into French and keep the pun.
good edit
we have a wood polish in Australia called Mr. sheen and they used that song for the adds
I often sat and wondered as I walked along the strand...thank you for the wonderful memories.
Great documentary. Thanks for sharing.
My favorite of all times. Groucho’s quick wit and all clean. As much as I love Murphy and Pryor, The Marx Brothers remain in my top “one”.
"I'm just waiting for a rainy day, I'm good in the mud". LMAO!
I don’t want to learn about the underbelly of artist’s lives. Just let me enjoy the feeling of freedom and pure creativity. God bless the comedians.
"go west" and "the big store" are two very underrated marx bros movies. "go west" is one of the best western parodies ever made. the stage coach scene is one the funniest things i ever saw. and, aside from great comedy, "the big store" offers some excellent swing musical numbers. these two films were like comeback films after the dismal films "roon service" and "at the circus."
i always thought it odd that offstage, of the three, chico attracted the most ladies. with groucho's wit and harpo's endearing and lovable man/child persona i thought they'd be the one's getting all the ladies. i'll always love the marx bros.
Go West is probably a better Western parody than Blazing Saddles!
"Room Service" and "At the Circus" are NOT dismal films. They´re very funny.
@@probyful ... i'm glad you liked them. they definately had their moments. but my point was the critics routinely "trash" the marx bros films that followed "a day at the races." but i disagree. i think "go west" and "the big store" are highly underrated and deserve more credit than the critics and many fans give them.
Problem with these films is that are inevitably compared to the earlier movies and that's a tough act to follow!
@@jfuzz9083 They are all good.
I love their early movies, I have all of them from Coconuts to Night at the Opera. Loved 'You bet your life' too.
Love these guys
Loved them when I was a little kid, still love them now I'm old
GOOD DOCUMENTARY ! THURSDAY 8/25/22 AUGUST 25, 2022
52:12: Harpo speaking! I’ve been seeking this a long time. No surprise, he sounds a bit like Chico!
I heartilly agree with most of the commemts. Finally an in - depth short documentery that has good narration and some really great film clips of the Marx brothers. Many that I 've not seen.
Sad for me: my eyes are tearing up. For the greats that I watched growing up and for friends that I’ve lost.
The Marx brothers were decades ahead of their time. I don't think there is a movie star anywhere who can claim every single one of their movies was terrific so, who cares if they made some duds? So many of their movies were great, are great and always will be great.
Ahead of their time? They were a product of their time-New York, family, Judaism, music, the stage/vaudeville, film. To say they’re ahead of their time is to suggest that the bros have been equaled, and that hasn’t happened.
@@charold3
@@Brian-uy2tj Well, ok, you go to hell too, I guess. But if you like the Marx Bros you can't be too bad. You're correct about Python and the Marxes: physical-verbal, antic but smart. I wouldn't be surprised if the bros influenced Python, but I don't know that's true. Surely at least one of them must be (or have been) a major fan.
Mlm mlm mlm. Mlm mlm mlm mlm
There is no such thing as ahead of your time the boys were just at the right time
I love the Marx Brothers.....i was fortunate to see Groucho in 1972, in San Francisco, in one of the the 2 shows he did..one in New York..the other here ..recorded an album, An Evening With Groucho Marx. ..still have my Ticket Stub and Poster.. and of course, the Album what a treat it was ...
Who remembers, how he got in my pajamas, I’ll never know.
51:50 Chico Marx passed away on October 11, 1961 from arteriosclerosis at age of 74
52:49 Three years later, Harpo Marx passed away (his 28th wedding anniversary) on September 28, 1964 from massive heart attack at age of 75,
54:16 Thirteen years later Gummo Marx passed away on April 21, 1977 from cerebral hemorrhage at age 84, four months later Groucho Marx also passed away on August 19, 1977 from pneumonia at age of 86
54:41 Two years later Zeppo Marx passed away from lung cancer on November 30th 1979 at age of 78.
Whatever happened to Melinda Marx after she ran away from Hollywood.... you may have to ask Candace Bergin
@@garycarpenter6433 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melinda_Marx
Thank you for the update I really did like it
So fun. Thanks for posting.
GREAT DOCUMENTARY👍🏿💯👍🏿
Spectacular video. A+++
Love finding new facts about the Marx Brothers. Thanks SO MUCH for sharing ❤
That was a great documentary. I always loved them. I'm sorry they had such a rough time in life; they gave us a great deal of fun and laughter.
56:06
Chico Marx also had a Jazz Band and discovered Barney Kessel and Charlie Christian zazz guitar Giants.
Barney Kessel was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma. One of the finest guitarists in jazz history, he was largely self-taught after just three months of lessons at the age of 12.
At age 19 Kessel went from Muskogee to Los Angeles. Some local musicians told him about a rooming house for musicians not far from the bus station. There was nobody there when the phone rang in the hall, so Barney answered. They were looking for Charley Christian the guitar player. Kessel said "I am the guitar player", went down for the audition and landed his first job which was with Chico. " We played a lot of theaters, we did the Roxy in New York. We played the Blackhawk restaurant for four months in Chicago, and when Chico did his numbers - his stage show - he would lead the band, we'd play with him". After touring for a year, Kessel settled in Los Angeles. He later was to play with band leaders like Charlie Barnet, Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw and Charlie Parker.
'Barney Kessel gigged at many LA Jazz dives incl. Drummer, 'Shelly's Manne-Hole on N Cahuenga Blvd 1608 'Fabulous guitarist 'as was Charlie Christian
The Marx Brothers' genius was a national treasure. Some of the best tv sitcoms over the years mimicked the Marx Brothers. Perhaps the Mash tv series makes the best example.
Whenever I watch the Yankee doodle doctor episode reminds me that Marx Brothers started it all.
Thanks for sharing
The only thing that got me through the loss of 2 close relatives last year was watching Groucho and Marx Brothers they were total one offs. How ironic that sweet and good Harpo was actually called Adolf. Well done and thank you Minnie 💎💙🙏
In Woody Allen's film Hannah and Her Sisters, his character is saved from suicide...by watching the Marx brothers.
@@andrewholliday251 Amazing thank you for that 🙏
Anatomy of an Illness also references getting through cancer watching the Marx Brothers.
In 1957, between Steve Allen's moving on and Jack Paar replacing him, the Tonight Show had a hiatus. Two episodes of a half-hour show, "Tonight, America After Dark" included the episode of February 18. It featured all FIVE Marx Brothers! I would give my eye teeth to see it!
I like the trunk scene ,it was so hysterically funny!
I still love a night in Casablanca, it's still a bit closer to a day at the races and a night at the opera than some of the others
What handsome guys. Like Laurel and Hardy, these guys will never fade from our memory.
R.I.P Marx Brothers
If you all would like a true deep dive into the incredibly brilliant comedy mind of Groucho Marx, read the book "The Groucho Letters: Letters from and to Groucho Marx." I have an original letterpress edition from my late father's library and have read it many times. You will not stop laughing, and you will read his ROTFL letters over and over again.
One of my very favorites is the multi-letter exchange between Groucho and Warner Brothers regarding the parody film "A Night In Casablanca."
The very best part about this book is that, as you read the letters, you hear them in your head being spoken as Groucho Marx's famous character, Rufus T. Firefly.
I have Groucho's letters and another good read is Harpo Speaks.....
The song Grouch sings with his daughter Melinda is the best part of all. 41:29
My mother saw them at the Paramount theater in Seattle and got their autographs outside the stage door. I still have Groucho and Harpo's autographs. My Millennial kids don't seem that interested. I hope they don't throw them away when I'm gone.
I've been told they used to try out material (jokes, gags, timing etc) for upcoming movie[s] by going "up north" and often the writers were in those audiences keeping tabs on what worked or didn't...even to the point of timing the audience laughter so as not to step on "a next line" & losing it.
Loved watching this
EXCELLENT. THNX. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
The Marx brothers have a certain high energy that speaks to me. Together with the different characters flavors it is an most excellent mix!
Thank you for this
Very nice video. Thank you.
No one can compare to them
I grew up in the middle of nowhere, and it was usually too hot to play outside. That meant we'd plop ourselves down on the rug and watch old shows, movies, cartoons, and such *for hours!*
So, it hurts me to confess... I didn't know Groucho's mustache was often painted on. In my defense, the tv was a tiny black and white
loved the marx bros since i was a child in the 60's & more than 50 years later my daughter has a large framed print of the four of them all dressed as groucho which i'd decorated my first home in the 80's in pride of place on the wall of her home & it's not unnoticeable being 1000mmX 600mm in size, they live on still.
Julius Marx was Groucho, but not because of his disposition. While the brothers were on the Vaudeville circuit, they kept their cash in "Grouch" bags close to their bodies (Like a money belt). His frugality with cash created his association with the grouch bag, therefore he was Groucho.
Groucho one time said that his nickname was based on the comic character, popular at the time. And if you read that page you'll see that it's about his disposition too
thanks , this great
It's uncanny how much Groucho's son looks like him.
What experience have you had the boss said at a department store scene and grougho came up with “ I was a shop lifter for 3 years “ ??hahahahaha god that was good 😂😂😂😂😂😍🥰
The Marx Brothers films will always be classics, but it is Groucho who set himself apart with You Bet Your Life, with his ease of ad lib and sardonic humor….always straddling the line between what was acceptable at the time and what was not. He really was a true comic genius.
I agree. "You Bet Your Life" episodes are as entertaining today as they were 70 years ago. And it's all due to Groucho's quick wit and ability to improvise in response to his contestants' unrehearsed comments.
Good documentary! I was surprised there was no mention at all of S.J. Perelman.
Zeppo was a totally underrated straight man. I think they were diminished a bit when they lost him
I agree. Groucho said that off-screen Zeppo was the funniest of the brothers. There just wasn't room in the act for 4 comedians. Apparently at one point, when Groucho was ill, Zeppo put on the greasepaint moustache and played Groucho's part - and got bigger laughs. This got back to Groucho - who pulled himself out of hospital and back to the stage ASAP!
@@andrewholliday251 they also say that Zeppo didn't want the part of a straight man, he wanted to be a comedian too
And I've also read somewhere that Groucho probably got out off hospital so soon is because theatre executives wanted him/all the brothers or there's no deal
This documentary was far better than the Unknown Marx Brothers hosted by Leslie Neilson.
My son is six, the Marx Bothers makes him laugh the way I did at his age.
That's probably because you keep him away from the junk you see today
Excellent documentary
Eddie Murphy, Richard Pryor, as great as they are, can't hold a candle to these guys. The best of the best in Comedy, pure Royalty right there...
saw a double Marx bros. bill in a revival house, and I never laughed so hard in 3 hrs. or so ,in my life. the place was insane w/ laughter. in a WC Fields bio, I once read that during the vaudeville days, in his journal(or a letter), wrote that he'd just seen an act called the Marx Brothers, and was in stitches.
I saw The Big Store (arguably their worst film) in a crowded cinema - and even that one had the audience laughing throughout. Years later I saw Duck Soup on the big screen - and the audience laughed non-stop for the entire film. I've never seen an audience laugh so hard, so long. Even though I knew these were funny films - and had watched them many times at home - seeing them in a cinema is an entirely different, amazing experience.
It occurs to me that a lot of 90% empty cinemas (totally dependent on junkfood sales) might do a lot better if they ran a lot more revivals sessions of older movies - and let word of mouth do the rest. It's gotta help a bottom line that these days is almost entirely dependent on the first weekend takings of a new release.
@@andrewholliday251 ABSOLUTELY. more revivals! that nite I was recalling it was 'a night at the opera' and probably 'Duck Soup'. I remember a guy who made headlines about 35 years ago, claiming that he was able to rid his body of cancer from renting stacks of comedy videos, chiefly the MARX Bros. he was so busy laughing he "didn't have time for the pain". humor can't be under estimated. nothing makes me feel better than a good, healthy laff. the scene where they switch the sheet music for the orchestra from a classical piece to 'take me out to the ballgame' is too funny. as far as TV goes, 'King of Queens' w/ Jerry Stiller in particular, puts me on the floor.
Thank you Marx Brothers for entertaining us for many years!
Great video and love the Marx Brothers!!
As long as there's art houses, cable television, and "home video" - yea, so much has changed since 2019.
i remember the year grouch died. that year we also lost bing crosby and elvis. the marx brothers did for hollywood what edison did for the world,made it a lot brighter for everyone.
Duck soup is one of the greatest comedy's ever✅🤣🤣🤓🥸the mirror scene is probably the funniest thing I've ever seen 🌹🤣🤣🤣🤣
I love the mirror scene,😍😍