Monkey Business – A Marx Brothers Retrospective

The Four Marx Brothers star in their first original film, Monkey Business, as they relocate to sunny LA for filming on the Paramount lot. “Oh, I know it’s a penny here and a penny there, but look at me. I worked myself up from nothing to a state of extreme poverty.” – Groucho Norman Z. McLeod knows a thing or two about comedy. Interestingly enough, the film served as his solo directorial debut. He would…

"Monkey Business – A Marx Brothers Retrospective"

Animal Crackers – A Marx Brothers Retrospective

The Four Marx Brothers followed up The Cocoanuts by bringing another stage production, Animal Crackers, to the screen. “One morning I shot an elephant in my pajamas. How he got in my pajamas, I don’t know.” – Captain Jeffrey Spaulding (Groucho Marx) Victor Heerman takes over directing duties while Morrie Ryskind adapts the stage musical for the screen. There are so many funny quips that I don’t even know where to begin. We get one…

"Animal Crackers – A Marx Brothers Retrospective"

The Cocoanuts – A Marx Brothers Retrospective

The Cocoanuts was the first sound feature to star the Marx Brothers as they began to make their transition from the stage to screen. “Three years ago I came to Florida without a nickel in my pocket. Now I’ve got a nickel in my pocket.” – Mr. Hammer (Groucho Marx) My long-awaited Marx Brothers retrospective comes as Duck Soup turns 90 years old later this week. The journey starts with The Cocoanuts, a musical comedy…

"The Cocoanuts – A Marx Brothers Retrospective"

Groucho and Cavett: A Touching Documentary

Groucho and Cavett explores the relationship between talk show host Dick Cavett and a frequent guest, comedian Groucho Marx. Groucho Marx–one of the Marx Brothers–was one of the most popular guests to return time after time on Cavett’s show. What you might not know about the two is that Marx was also Cavett’s mentor of sorts. After watching a young Cavett perform stand-up on The Merv Griffin Show, Marx later wrote a letter and offered…

"Groucho and Cavett: A Touching Documentary"

Robert Bader talks Groucho and Cavett

Earlier this month, Robert Bader sat down with Solzy at the Movies to discuss his newest documentary, Groucho & Cavett.  The new documentary focuses on Groucho Marx and his appearances and relationship with Dick Cavett. It will be airing as a part of the American Masters program nationwide on December 27 at 8 PM ET. Check your local PBS affiliate for details. The film will also be available to watch through the American Masters website and the PBS Video App and is available…

"Robert Bader talks Groucho and Cavett"