Robert Klein on Groucho, the Marx Brothers, and Comedy

In conversation with Jason Zinoman of the New York Times, comedy legend Robert Klein reflects on the influence of the Marx Brothers, expresses opinions about their work and their costars, recalls personal encounters with Groucho, and much more. He also discusses his own career in comedy, including as a pioneer of the standup special. This Marxfest event took place on May 19, 2024, at the 3 West Club in New York City.
Event produced by Trav S.D.
Videography by Brent Katz
Special thanks to Jason Zinoman and Bob Greenberg
Marxfest: New York City Celebrates the Marx Brothers
marxfest.org

[@gerrydooley951]

Robert is really one of the great stand-ups and the first that we really thought of as our own, even before Carlin went hippie

[@jonhowe2960]

When I was a kid it was Carlin, Pryor, and Klein, the holy trinity......Cosby was already passe

[@CustodioLugo]

@@jonhowe2960You can’t forget Lily Tomlin, Whoopie Goldberg, & Rosie O’Donald.
Those 3 women were & continue to be at the top of their game.
And let’s not forget Steve Martin.
We did have a Great Crop of Comedians back then.
Thanks for your input, my friend.

[@belleslettres1]

Robert Klein was the most gracious interviewee when I was a college journalist.

[@mullen25]

thank you for posting this. i love robert klein so much and think he's under appreciated. love hearing his memories and he's still funny as ever.

[@aviduser1961]

It was really nice spending time with Robert Klein again.

[@davisdeen-ty4so]

Good hes still alive 🎉

[@song-rz6hi]

Thanks!

[@EdKazO-Vision]

Outstanding. Thanks so much for posting this. I'm sorry I could not make it to the event. Maybe next time?

[@joangravitz3280]

This is lovely

[@eirikasbjrnberg8753]

I think comparing Segars Popeye and Marx Brothers will show a surprising similarity in themes . Segar is the genius of cartoons and is still very enjoyable and engaging

[@gerrydooley951]

Myron Cohen would speak in an almost English accent and then go into a wild Yiddish accent

[@song-rz6hi]

Great stories

[@Historian212]

There was no book called “Groucho Speaks.” Harpo wrote an autobiography called “Harpo Speaks” - a wonderful account, btw - but Groucho’s best-known book is “The Groucho Letters.” A reviewer of that book titled his review “Groucho Speaks,” which was clearly a takeoff on Harpo’s book title. But that was by the reviewer, not by Groucho.
All respect to Mr. Klein, but if you’re looking for the book, you won’t find it. I recommend both “The Groucho Letters” and “Harpo Speaks.” Harpo was also smart, btw, but not as biting as Groucho. His friends at the Algonquin didn’t suffer fools gladly, Harpo was no toy. That was mean-spirited of Klein, and it’s too bad.

[@jomama01]

More Marx, Less Klein.

[@SalemHill]

Hilarious “Carrying the American flag” story at timestamp 23:32 😂😂😂

[@Al-po2oh]

Robert Klein does not need a moderator.

[@tyronejoihnson7046]

He’s rambling.

[@pressureworks]

1980s T-Shirt: Sure I'm a Marxist !!! With pictures of the Marx brothers.

[@wadestclair249]

Did trumpers show up to boycott "marx"fest 🤣😄😆

[@jameshudson169]

the marx brothers. and people say germans aren't funny.