Episode 49: Four Empty Dunces (featuring Brad Sohlo)
Yes, yes, in this fascinating discussion of the affinity between the Marx Brothers and the intellectual elite -- with an emphasis on Alexander Woollcott, and with the splendacious Woollcott expert Brad Sohlo as our guest -- we do talk a little bit about Susan Fleming Marx's recently-published memoir Speaking of Harpo. But just a little. We'll discuss it in more detail -- later! Meanwhile, make yourself a plate of popovers and celery and give this a listen, even though it's not immoral, illegal, or fattening.
Official description: "A look at the Marx Brothers' relationship with intellectuals, focusing on Harpo's friendship with writer Alexander Woollcott. Council member and Woollcott authority Brad Sohlo joins us to decipher just why sophisticates were attracted to the team...and not always vice versa.
"Brad explains why it was the carefree Harpo and not the well-read Groucho who was embraced by the Algonquin Round Table. We discuss what Woollcott and Harpo saw in each other and why their curious friendship endured.
"And if you're worried that the conversation may be too high-brow, don’t worry, we’re treated to typical ‘Harpo gets naked’ stories…"
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