No, it’s not a sequel to “1917”, but something even better! This month we discuss the year that the Marx Brothers didn’t do anything besides lose Zeppo. After finishing “Duck Soup” in late 1933, the team was without a studio contract, and in no hurry to make another film…in fact, they weren’t certain they wanted to remain in Hollywood at all. We examine the internal and external forces which led them to MGM and Irving Thalberg.

We’ll also talk about Groucho’s heretofore unknown solo project, “A Night at the Brothel”.

Name-checked in this episode: Mickey Rooney, Katherine Hepburn, Hitler, Alec Baldwin.

After avoiding its 90th anniversary, Matthew pushes Noah and Bob into the pool for a deep dive into The Cocoanuts. Why did contemporary critics consider it their best? Why does Margaret Dumont get more laughs than Zeppo? Who the hell is Penelope? Noah connects a Groucho line to Star Trek: The Next Generation, Bob brings up Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Matthew is certain one shot was cut for a 1984 British TV broadcast. It’s appointment podcasting!

A deep dive into Groucho’s first solo effort, 1947’s “Copacabana”, which can be considered both a success and a failure…as well as neither. Surprisingly, for one of your hosts, this was a first time viewing, so Bob comes up with observations that most of you had decades ago. We explore the fascinating teaming of Groucho with Carmen Miranda, and romances that are undefined and unresolved. The Barry Manilow jokes and song excerpts are kept to a minimum, so don’t be afraid.

This month we take it easy and discuss only half of the team, Groucho and Chico. We listen to and deep dive into all their great scenes together….as well as the one from "At The Circus". You'll learn why perhaps their most famous encounter isn’t really a Marx scene at all. We also introduce a new feature where we reveal our latest and greatest Marx Brothers revelations.

Marx Brothers scholar Stewart Tryster returns as we try to explain curious moments in the Marxes' films and career. Who was that in the dark in "Animal Crackers"? Did pressure from Italians result in the pigeons being cut from “A Day at the Races”? What edible substance made up Harpo’s “A Night in Casablanca” hair? We speculate, jump to conclusions, and ignore facts that go against our theories…so you know you’re getting the most solid info anywhere.

The second in our exclusive series of vintage interviews from the archives of Marx Brotherhood founder, Jay Hopkins. From 1979, Jay talks with the infamous Erin Fleming, Groucho’s secretary, personal manager, and companion in his final years. Erin details the day to day life with Groucho, as well as the celebrities and events she seemed to crave. She’s opinionated, charming and infuriating. It’s a unique and revealing look at the complex woman who became the center of a storm of controversy.

The second in our exclusive series of vintage interviews from the archives of Marx Brotherhood founder, Jay Hopkins. From 1979, Jay talks with the infamous Erin Fleming, Groucho’s secretary, personal manager, and companion in his final years. Erin details day to day life with Groucho, as well as the celebrities, shows and events she seemed to crave. She’s opinionated, charming and infuriating. A unique and revealing look at the complex woman who was the center of a storm of controversy.

This month we take a deep dive into the misunderstood “Room Service”, perhaps not the best Marx film, but the one with the most interesting backstory…as well as the most frustrating compromises. Matthew enlightens us on how it almost became more of an authentic Marx vehicle, and how it almost became less of one. Bob is surprised by his reaction to the film, while Noah leads post-graduate courses on New York theater, and the word “frowsy”. Special guest stars, Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick.

Though the Marx Brothers stopped performing together after 1949’s “Love Happy”, that didn’t stop the constant stories, rumors and false starts of future projects. This month we take a look at the Marxes’ 1950s post-career, which included a few moments when they did reunite. Bob comes up with a unique (and probably stupid) theory about “The Incredible Jewel Robbery”, while Matthew admits to a Marx appearance that he can’t be bothered to watch. Later, we are joined by “Marx and Re-Marx” author Andrew T. Smith for a closer look at the aborted “Deputy Seraph” project.

The first in our exclusive series of vintage never-before-heard interviews from the archives of Marx Brotherhood founder, Jay Hopkins…

From 1979, Jay talks to “You Bet Your Life” creator and producer John Guedel about the genesis of the show, how it was put together each week, and how the show library was on the verge of being discarded in the early ’70s before John and Groucho came to the rescue...which in turn, led to its huge revival.