Episode 57: So This is Dr. Film (featuring Eric Grayson)
This episode of The Marx Brothers Council Podcast is special for two reasons. First, there’s our guest, film preservationist Eric Grayson. You might know him as Dr. Film, a name whose origins are explained in this episode. Eric speaks with authority and wit about the art and business of film preservation, and answers many questions about the restoration work done, and still to be done, on the Marx Brothers’ pictures.
The other reason this is a special episode is that it’s hosted by Bob Gassel, back at the microphone!
Note: We’re running a little late with this month’s Bonus Segment. It’ll be available on our Patreon page soon, though!
Bob began the session by asking if Eric was in the Witness Protection Program.
Official description: “Film preservationist and collector Eric Grayson joins us to examine the 2023 state of the Marx Brothers’ catalog. We discuss which films have missing, damaged, or subpar footage (and we don’t mean Go West), and whether there is any hope for upgrades. Eric gets into the weeds with info that will surprise even the most knowledgeable fan.
“We’ll also examine the copyright issues that the Marx films will soon face, and look forward to how AI technology may help in restoration efforts.
“Finally, you’ll find out what happens when we have a guest who’s never heard our podcast.”
Note for early birds: When a new episode is released, it might not appear at all of the locations below right away. If you visit your favorite podcast provider and the previous episode is still the most recent one you see there, be patient! And above all, don't worry.
Download | Cast | Google Podcasts | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Blubrry | YouTube
Footnotes
Eric Grayson’s Dr. Film website
Our 2018 conversation with Tom Racz about A Night at the Opera at the Hungarian film archive
Bob’s 2019 appearance on Eric’s podcast
