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The Marx Brothers Council Podcast

Matthew Coniam, Noah Diamond, Bob Gassel

Arts Film History

Latest episode

106 episodes

91 Whatever Will B. Johnstone (featuring Meg Farrell)
01/04/2026 | 1h 29 mins.
We welcome ethnomusicologist Meg Farrell, the great-granddaughter of Will B. Johnstone—an unsung hero of the Marx story who set the template for their Broadway 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 diary, revealing surprising Marx Brothers stories from the 1920s, and insights into Johnstone’s day job as a political cartoonist. We’ll discuss the importance of the Napoleon scene from ISSI, and Johnstone’s complicated relationship with S.J. Perelman.
91 Whatever Will B. Johnstone (featuring Meg Farrell)
01/04/2026 | 1h 29 mins.
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.
MBCP SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
06/03/2026 | 4 mins.
April 12th, 2026. NYC. A unique event.

More details at: https://movingimage.org/event/horse-feathers/
90 The Marx Others (featuring Brett Leveridge and Trav S.D.)
27/02/2026 | 1h 32 mins.
We turn our attention to 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.
89 “A Night at the Opera Reorchestrated” featuring The Marx Brothers Council
27/01/2026 | 1h 49 mins.
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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About The Marx Brothers Council Podcast

An insightful but not too serious look at the Marx Brothers films, careers, and lives from some guys who really need to get out more. Hosted by Matthew Coniam ("The Annotated Marx Brothers," "That's Me, Groucho!"), Noah Diamond ("Gimme a Thrill: The Story of I'll Say She Is") and Bob Gassel (he'll write a book someday...or perhaps read one). Featuring guest appearances by Marx experts, notable fans, and even family members. New episodes post monthly. For more info or to leave a comment, visit us at: marxbrotherscouncilpodcast.com Follow us on Twitter: @MarxBrosPodcast or Bluesky: ‪@marxbrotherscouncilpodcast.com And join the lively discussion on 'The Marx Brothers Council' Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1389369721281242 Contact us directly at: [email protected]

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Arts Film History TV & Film Visual Arts