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The Annotated Marx Brothers: A Filmgoer's Guide to In-Jokes, Obscure References and Sly Details by Matthew Coniam (30-Jan-2015) Paperback
Have you ever watched a Marx Brothers film and wondered what 'habeas Irish rose' is? What is the trial of Mary Dugan with sound? What is a college widow? When exactly did Don Ameche invent the telephone? Their films are full of such in-jokes and obscure theatrical, literary and topical references that can baffle modern audiences.
- GenresMedia Tie InHumorFilm
Paperback
First published January 31, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 29, 2018
Can't say enough good things about this book. I went in thinking it would be nothing more than a guide to the films and was rewarded with some really scholarly research on the Brothers and their movies. It's right up there with Joe Adamson's "Groucho, Harpo, Chico, and Zeppo," and higher praise I cannot give.
June 18, 2020
One of the most enjoyable and informative books on the Marx Brothers I've yet encountered. It is very thoroughly researched, and, one of my favorite things, the author debunks many myths.
June 8, 2020
An excellent, informative and entertaining walk through anything about a Marx Brothers movie you may have cared to ask . Keep it handy by your box sets for quick reference.
September 20, 2016
If any comedy team could use an annotated treatment it would be the Marx Brothers. I would lament that someone hadn't thought of it sooner, but I doubt they would have done as well with it as Matthew Coniam. To Start, his research is thorough. He explains jokes that I didn't even realize were jokes. There were references in movies I have seen 10 times that my mind ignores and he explains them. This is especially true in the earlier movies where there are more references and Coniam is more thorough.
What makes this book unique among the plethora of books on the brothers is that it talks about the films themselves more so than the biographies of the players. You get both to some extent, but the lives have always gotten more discussion in books. Previous writers have failed to explore so many of the things that make them interesting on screen.
It helps to know going in that Coniam is firmly in the camp of fans and critics that prefer the anarchist brothers from the Paramount films over the nary-do-well misfits from the later years. He goes in depth to explain how much Groucho's persona shifts by the time they make At the Circus, for instance. He doesn't see Groucho Marx as a performer making acting choices but as a character having choices forced upon him through the writers and directors. Keaton and Chaplin wrote their own material during the silent era so they did have the power of consistency or evolution the Marx Brothers lacked directly, but the brothers had the writers they liked even if the directors were a mixed bag. I personally like the variety of characterization within the characters.
I really enjoyed Coniam's appreciation of Chico Marx. Like Harpo and Groucho, there is no one else like Chico. I love Chico's con man word play as much as Groucho's puns and Harpo's antics. I can also appreciate that Chico made it possible for them to have a longer movie career with his connections and love of the work.
Another service Coniam provides here is that he debunks some long held stories like Dumont didn't understand that jokes or that the brothers roasted potatoes in Thalberg's fireplace. These have been repeated and said so many times by other authors Coniam was first I know who looked at the logic of these statements instead of just repeating them.
This book stands alone in several ways and it's essential reading if you plan to study the cinema of the Marx Brothers.
What makes this book unique among the plethora of books on the brothers is that it talks about the films themselves more so than the biographies of the players. You get both to some extent, but the lives have always gotten more discussion in books. Previous writers have failed to explore so many of the things that make them interesting on screen.
It helps to know going in that Coniam is firmly in the camp of fans and critics that prefer the anarchist brothers from the Paramount films over the nary-do-well misfits from the later years. He goes in depth to explain how much Groucho's persona shifts by the time they make At the Circus, for instance. He doesn't see Groucho Marx as a performer making acting choices but as a character having choices forced upon him through the writers and directors. Keaton and Chaplin wrote their own material during the silent era so they did have the power of consistency or evolution the Marx Brothers lacked directly, but the brothers had the writers they liked even if the directors were a mixed bag. I personally like the variety of characterization within the characters.
I really enjoyed Coniam's appreciation of Chico Marx. Like Harpo and Groucho, there is no one else like Chico. I love Chico's con man word play as much as Groucho's puns and Harpo's antics. I can also appreciate that Chico made it possible for them to have a longer movie career with his connections and love of the work.
Another service Coniam provides here is that he debunks some long held stories like Dumont didn't understand that jokes or that the brothers roasted potatoes in Thalberg's fireplace. These have been repeated and said so many times by other authors Coniam was first I know who looked at the logic of these statements instead of just repeating them.
This book stands alone in several ways and it's essential reading if you plan to study the cinema of the Marx Brothers.
May 22, 2022
An excellent book for the serious fan.
This book is a viewer's guide for all 13 Marx Brothers films. It's is exquisitely researched and thorough. Mr. Coniam goes to great lengths to track down the meanings and subtleties of jokes great and small.
He is equally vigilant in debunking Marxian legends, such as the supposed fight with Warner Brothers over the intellectual property rights to the word "Casablanca." (It was a publicity stunt. It appears that no letters were ever actually exchanged between Groucho and the studio.) I appreciate the academic rigor that he takes to such myth busting.
But the heart of this book is a deeply felt appreciation for what made the Brothers so great. And there is much to be celebrated here.
It's not the first book I would recommend to a new fan. (Start with Adamson, than Bader, then Harpo.) But it is definitely a book that serious devotees should read for an unflinching assessment of every sight gag, double entendre and Hollywood legend around their films.
This book is a viewer's guide for all 13 Marx Brothers films. It's is exquisitely researched and thorough. Mr. Coniam goes to great lengths to track down the meanings and subtleties of jokes great and small.
He is equally vigilant in debunking Marxian legends, such as the supposed fight with Warner Brothers over the intellectual property rights to the word "Casablanca." (It was a publicity stunt. It appears that no letters were ever actually exchanged between Groucho and the studio.) I appreciate the academic rigor that he takes to such myth busting.
But the heart of this book is a deeply felt appreciation for what made the Brothers so great. And there is much to be celebrated here.
It's not the first book I would recommend to a new fan. (Start with Adamson, than Bader, then Harpo.) But it is definitely a book that serious devotees should read for an unflinching assessment of every sight gag, double entendre and Hollywood legend around their films.
February 19, 2022
First, I'm in awe of Coniam's knowledge and research skills. This book is not only a great, entertaining resource about The Marx Brothers. It's also a window into the pop culture landscape of their era. He also does a great job of separating truth from legend, which is a complicated task.
This is one of the essential reads for fans of Minnie's Boys.
This is one of the essential reads for fans of Minnie's Boys.
October 14, 2018
Coniam covers each Marx Brothers film and delves in the inside jokes and lines and references that might be confusing to a modern viewer. A lot of fun to read. Makes me want to see the films again.
June 16, 2021
So good! Essential reading for any Marx fan. I don’t always agree with his opinions but his facts are fascinating and his research seems unparalleled!
October 4, 2025
Mainio hakuteos Marxin Veljesten elokuviin. Monia aikaansa sidottuja vitsejä selitetty ja muitakin mielenkiintoisia yksityiskohtia poimittu. Teos jonka pariin tulee palattua jatkossa usein.
March 19, 2016
This is a very well-written companion to every film (including one television short) the greatest comedy team of all time ever produced, and I truly enjoyed it. Each chapter deals with a single movie, and is divided into two parts: the first, a sort of essay on the background and significance of the film, and the second a time-stamped glossary of the film's more obtuse or obscure jokes.
Thanks to this book--and specifically, to the time-stamped glossaries--I finally understand two jokes that I was never able to "get" previously. Groucho's "I'm fascinated too. Right on the arm."--always went right over my head. And Chico's "Sure, mutinies Wednesdays and Saturdays." That one I could never understand.
In truth, far more interesting is Coniam's personal essays on each film. I have read--as I'm sure most who pick up this book also have--numerous histories, biographies, and reminiscences on the brothers Marx. But these essays were so informative and well-researched, I found myself continuously learning new things.
But mostly I enjoyed the essays because it is in these portions that Coniam's love of the team comes through. Not that it is all praise: Coniam has more than enough disdain for later fare--especially "Go West"--and it is nice to find someone who doesn't automatically hold out "Duck Soup" as the greatest of the films (when clearly, Animal Crackers or Horsefeathers has that honor), who disliked "A Day at the Races" as much as I do and doesn't try to lump it in with "Opera"'s greatness, and who shares a soft spot for "Room Service" and "The Big Store".
Really, this book is like discussing your favorite movies with someone who loves them as much as you. Even more--it is like loving a couple of silly comedies from 70 years ago, and finding someone who feels understands how important these "silly comedies" are to you.
It was a real treat.
Thanks to this book--and specifically, to the time-stamped glossaries--I finally understand two jokes that I was never able to "get" previously. Groucho's "I'm fascinated too. Right on the arm."--always went right over my head. And Chico's "Sure, mutinies Wednesdays and Saturdays." That one I could never understand.
In truth, far more interesting is Coniam's personal essays on each film. I have read--as I'm sure most who pick up this book also have--numerous histories, biographies, and reminiscences on the brothers Marx. But these essays were so informative and well-researched, I found myself continuously learning new things.
But mostly I enjoyed the essays because it is in these portions that Coniam's love of the team comes through. Not that it is all praise: Coniam has more than enough disdain for later fare--especially "Go West"--and it is nice to find someone who doesn't automatically hold out "Duck Soup" as the greatest of the films (when clearly, Animal Crackers or Horsefeathers has that honor), who disliked "A Day at the Races" as much as I do and doesn't try to lump it in with "Opera"'s greatness, and who shares a soft spot for "Room Service" and "The Big Store".
Really, this book is like discussing your favorite movies with someone who loves them as much as you. Even more--it is like loving a couple of silly comedies from 70 years ago, and finding someone who feels understands how important these "silly comedies" are to you.
It was a real treat.
February 5, 2017
It's an interesting and informative enough guide to following along to my review (and occasional first view) of the Marx filmography. There's ultimately a lot more straight reviewing of the work than there is going over the meanings of jokes and references, which is somewhat frustrating given the original promise offered by the cover. I do, however, subscribe to the same basic philosophies as the author regarding most of strengths and weaknesses of various movies and styles, so it's generally easy reading still.
April 13, 2017
The best Marx Bros book ever, and I've read more than a few. This is the juice.
The folks saying that the author goes too far in film analysis are correct. Yes, the author favors the Paramount films. Yes, he poo-poos Thalberg's influence. I think he's wrong, but this book is still superb.
The folks saying that the author goes too far in film analysis are correct. Yes, the author favors the Paramount films. Yes, he poo-poos Thalberg's influence. I think he's wrong, but this book is still superb.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews