Philosophy
This week we commemorate the passing of Herbert Manfred Marx, best known as Zeppo. He is the Comedist version of Saint Jude. Often called the funniest of the Marx Brothers off-stage, in the act he was the straight man, always setting up the jokes, but never making them. Indeed, he even starred as the love interest in "Horse Feathers."
In admiration and recognition of his fine and necessary work, good brother Hanno sends this message:
An organization known as the Society for the Prevention of Abuse to Zeppo (SPAZ) has arisen to highlight the importance of Zeppo to the act.
"There is a common assumption that Zeppo = Zero, which this scene does its best to contradict. Groucho dictating a letter to anybody else would hardly be cause for rejoicing. We have to believe that someone will be there to accept all his absurdities and even respond somewhat in kind before things can progress free from conflict into this genial mishmash. Groucho clears his throat in the midst of his dictation, and Zeppo asks him if he wants that in the letter. Groucho says, 'No, put
it in the envelope.' Zeppo nods. And only Zeppo could even try such a thing as taking down the heading and the salutation and leaving out the letter because it didn't sound important to him. It takes a Marx Brother to pull something like that on a Marx Brother and get away with it."
In honor of straightmen everywhere (even those who are neither straight nor men), happy day of Saint Zeppo.
Live, love, and laugh,
Irreverend Steve
- Groucho And Pure Jokes
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- Rip Ed Mcmahan
My Fellow Comedists, This week we mourn the passing of Ed McMahan whose number finally came up in the great Publishers' Clearinghouse Sweepstakes in the sky. For the viewing, he has been hermetically sealed in a mayonaisse jar on Funk and Wagnall's...
- The Feast Of Saint Groucho
Brothers, Sisters, and Transgendered Comedists everywhere, This weekend brings us one of the holiest days on the Comedist calendar, the feast day of the one and only Saint Groucho. Born Julius Marx into a family connected with vaudeville and a neighbors...
- Congrats Hanno And The Feast Of Saint Michael
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- The Feasts Of Saint Marcel And Saint Chico
This week we have two Comedist celebrations. It was the anniversary of the birth of Marcel Marceau. We will honor him with the usual moment of silence... (extra credit if you name the film he spoke in) It is also the birthday of Leonard Marx, better...
Philosophy
Feast of Saint Zeppo
This week we commemorate the passing of Herbert Manfred Marx, best known as Zeppo. He is the Comedist version of Saint Jude. Often called the funniest of the Marx Brothers off-stage, in the act he was the straight man, always setting up the jokes, but never making them. Indeed, he even starred as the love interest in "Horse Feathers."
In admiration and recognition of his fine and necessary work, good brother Hanno sends this message:
An organization known as the Society for the Prevention of Abuse to Zeppo (SPAZ) has arisen to highlight the importance of Zeppo to the act.
"There is a common assumption that Zeppo = Zero, which this scene does its best to contradict. Groucho dictating a letter to anybody else would hardly be cause for rejoicing. We have to believe that someone will be there to accept all his absurdities and even respond somewhat in kind before things can progress free from conflict into this genial mishmash. Groucho clears his throat in the midst of his dictation, and Zeppo asks him if he wants that in the letter. Groucho says, 'No, put
it in the envelope.' Zeppo nods. And only Zeppo could even try such a thing as taking down the heading and the salutation and leaving out the letter because it didn't sound important to him. It takes a Marx Brother to pull something like that on a Marx Brother and get away with it."
In honor of straightmen everywhere (even those who are neither straight nor men), happy day of Saint Zeppo.
Live, love, and laugh,
Irreverend Steve
- Groucho And Pure Jokes
My Fellow Comedists, I was unable to get this weekend's comedist post up in time, so let's do it today. This week marks the 50th anniversary of Groucho's last public performance. An aging Groucho was slipping into depression, so...
- Rip Ed Mcmahan
My Fellow Comedists, This week we mourn the passing of Ed McMahan whose number finally came up in the great Publishers' Clearinghouse Sweepstakes in the sky. For the viewing, he has been hermetically sealed in a mayonaisse jar on Funk and Wagnall's...
- The Feast Of Saint Groucho
Brothers, Sisters, and Transgendered Comedists everywhere, This weekend brings us one of the holiest days on the Comedist calendar, the feast day of the one and only Saint Groucho. Born Julius Marx into a family connected with vaudeville and a neighbors...
- Congrats Hanno And The Feast Of Saint Michael
Brothers, Sisters, and Transgendered Comedists Everywhere, We must begin this weekend with a heartfelt congratulations to our Playground playfriend Hanno for becoming a father again. The little guy is very lucky to have the parents he has, but luckier...
- The Feasts Of Saint Marcel And Saint Chico
This week we have two Comedist celebrations. It was the anniversary of the birth of Marcel Marceau. We will honor him with the usual moment of silence... (extra credit if you name the film he spoke in) It is also the birthday of Leonard Marx, better...