The Marx Brothers in a Nutshell

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Summary: This isn't available anymore? It was so good!
Review: The library had this video so we got it to watch and it was about the funniest thing I'd seen in a long time. I've watched it twice since and enjoyed it even more. Lots of stuff about their life interspersed with clips from their movies and stuff. There's not a whole lot to say about a documentary but I recommend you to get a hold of it if you can because it's really quite good, actually. ; )

And I thought some of my other reviews were brief.

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Summary: The Best Marx DVD Bio Around...
Review: This DVD is fantastic. Of the three Marx Brothers Bio DVD's around (the others being the very good "The Unknown Marx Brothers" & the decent "Inside the Marx Brothers"), "The Marx Brothers in a Nutshell" is definatly the best one. The only down side is that it does not contain any interviews with Marx Brothers themselves (all the interviews are done by Marx family & friends), and there are not DVD extras. But, the DVD itself is just terrific, all great interviews, long clips from their classic movies. It's over and hour and a half long and even though I've seen the movies countless times, I still can't stop laughing at the scenes. This was a PBS special from 1982 I believe their is some new footage added to this DVD. A must for any Marx Brothers fan, and although this may be a bit pricey here on Amazon, believe me it's worth it!

Rating:
Summary: Welcome return to catalogue for the BEST Marx Documentary
Review: This excellent documentary on The Marx Brothers has been unavailable for many years and makes a welcome return. Dating from the early 80's it contains numerous film clips as well as many excellent interviews with surviving collaborators and family members, all of which are relevant and revealing. If you have read Joe Adamson's 'Groucho, Harpo, Chico & sometimes Zeppo' book and share my opinion that is the best book ever written on the Marx's film work, then you'll be pleased to know that Adamson was the key player in this project.

My only minor criticism is that the documentary largely dismisses the Marx Brothers later work. It's true that The Marx's last 'great' film was 'A Day at the Races' but even their weaker, later films contain some fine moments that sadly don't feature here.

If you count yourself as a serious or even semi-serious Marx fan and haven't already seen this documentary then please do so immediately. I promise you won't be disappointed...