ISBN 10: 1559746483 ISBN 13: 9781559746489

Publisher: Direct Cinema Limited

From Robert Weide, the filmmaker of "W.C. Fields Straight Up", comes THE MARX BROTHERS IN A NUTSHELL, a fascinating look at the most beloved comedy team in motion picture history. Exclusive interviews with those closest to the brothers supplement this collection of highlights from their film, theater, and television appearances and offer a compelling look at their lives both on and off-screen. The generous use of rare and unreleased film and TV clips provides new insights for even the well-versed Marx Brothers fax.

This definitive documentary begins its study with the Marx family vaudeville act and follows through to their final television work; including clips from Groucho's popular TV show "You Bet Your Life." Fellow comedians and collaborators including Woody Allen, Dick Cavett, George Fennemann, Robert Klein, and David Steinberg examine the hard work and perfectionism that put these comic masters at the top of their game. Using rarely-seen footage derived from their original Broadway hit "I'll Say She Is", and highlights from their best film, home movies and newsreels, this film enlightens as it entertains.

A tribute to Hollywood's funniest brothers, THE MARX BROTHERS IN A NUTSHELL is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in these remarkable forerunners of modern screen comedy.

Review:

...a delightful, incisive and absolutely irresistible account of the illustrious comedy team’s career. -- Los Angeles Herald Examiner

It offers a marvelous evening, not only for their fans but for anyone who needs a laugh. -- The Boston Globe

Madly enjoyable. It is all but impossible to love the Marx Brothers and not enjoy this show. -- The Washington Post