Groucho Marx knew many sayings. For example: “Television educates. Every time someone turns on their phone, I go next door and read.” Or: “Everyone can grow old. You just have to live long enough. And then when he met a lady on television who had had 19 children: “Why so many?” “Because I love my husband.” Then Groucho: “I love my cigar, but every now and then I take it out of your mouth.” .” This joke was promptly removed from the program as it was indecent. Groucho didn’t care. He was always thinking of something new.
I met him in front of Schwab’s Drugstore in Hollywood on Sunset Boulevard. I stayed there four times a week when I had to hitchhike to my spiritual home, the University of California, because there was no public transportation. It was also the place where you could pick up girls who wanted to pursue a film career. Groucho Marx, the leader of the trendy Marx Brothers, was such a rabble-rouser with his super sports car, but I had to go.
What movie does he currently have in production with his brothers. Unfortunately a sore point. His new film is called “One Night in Casablanca”. And the title is contested by these other brothers, the Warners. Who had Bogart’s award-winning film “Casablanca” on the program. “What do you think? As if they wanted to ban the New Testament because the good God already appears in the Old Testament.”
“I’m a good family man”
To distract him I tell him about my encounter with Casablanca. There was war. I ended up there as an American soldier. And, typical of Trollers, we immediately went up to the historic center, the “Kasbah”. There he fell into the hands of a team of “MP” (military police). “Stop, soldier. Are you before or after?” “Before or after what?” “Don’t act more stupid than you are, soldier. Otherwise we will go to prison.” It turned out that the Kasbah is a neighborhood of whores. As a result I was given a penicillin injection in my butt.
Whereupon Groucho insulted him: “I hope you don’t expect me to put this horrible story in my film. I’m a good family man.” “Although, as you heard, with three different wives.” Groucho said, ostentatiously pulling his famous moustache: “You know that the age difference from my first wife was ten years, from my second, 33, and my current 40s. However, everyone loved my mustache.
“The painted one or the real one?” I ask shamelessly. “It was always real. What was painted was just a trademark. If you want to get to America you have to have a brand. What would yours be?” Since I don’t know either and we have now reached the university, I jump out of the car. As he drives away he waves at me and, what’s more, with his fake mustache.
Georg Stefan Trollerborn in Vienna in 1921 to a Jewish family, lives in Paris. Among his most important works are approximately 1,500 interviews, including those of the “Paris Journal” and the “Personal Description”.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Expert on Groucho Marx
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Evelyn Turner, a cultural historian and expert on American comedy, particularly the legendary Groucho Marx. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Turner.
Dr. Turner: Thank you for having me! It’s a joy to discuss one of my favorite comedic legends.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. Groucho Marx had a knack for wit and satire that remains influential today. What do you think made his humor so timeless?
Dr. Turner: Groucho’s humor was rooted in sharp social commentary, combined with an irreverent style that both entertained and provoked thought. His famous quips, like “Television educates. Every time someone turns on their phone, I go next door and read,” highlight how he continued to critique culture and media, even as it evolved. This ability to adapt while maintaining his critical edge is a big part of his lasting legacy.
Editor: Speaking of adaptation, Groucho’s comedic timing was impeccable. He had a unique way of addressing societal norms. For instance, in recounting his encounter with a woman who had 19 children, he famously commented, “I love my cigar, but every now and then I take it out of my mouth.” Why do you think that particular joke was considered indecent enough to be cut from the show?
Dr. Turner: Groucho had a talent for pushing boundaries with his humor. The joke not only plays on the absurdity of the situation but also doubles as a metaphor for the innate human desire for freedom and choice. At the time, such frankness about intimacy and relationships was taboo, and network executives were quick to silence anything that might cause scandal. Groucho’s indifference to censorship exemplifies the rebellious spirit that defined him.
Editor: It seems his rebellious nature was apparent off-screen as well, especially in his interactions with Hollywood. You mentioned his movie “One Night in Casablanca” in your article. What was the significance of that film title contention?
Dr. Turner: The dispute over the title “One Night in Casablanca” is fascinating. It shows how the film industry was full of power struggles. Groucho’s quip about banning the New Testament because the Old Testament exists speaks volumes about the absurdity of trying to restrict creative expression simply due to similarities. This tension between creators often mirrors the competitive nature of Hollywood, where originality and recognition are prized yet frequently contested.
Editor: Groucho was known for frequenting places like Schwab’s Drugstore, which served as a hub for aspiring actors. What does this say about the culture of Hollywood during his time?
Dr. Turner: Schwab’s Drugstore was a microcosm of the Hollywood dream. It was a gathering place where aspiring stars met established personalities, and it represented the hope and hustle of the industry. Groucho’s presence there, mingling with hopefuls and their dreams, reveals his down-to-earth nature, despite his fame. He had a unique ability to connect with people, which only enriched his comedic persona.
Editor: Dr. Turner, how do you think contemporary comedians can learn from Groucho Marx’s style and approach to humor?
Dr. Turner: Contemporary comedians can look to Groucho’s fearlessness in tackling societal issues and his skill in turning criticisms into comedy. His quick wit and clever wordplay remind us that humor can be both entertaining and enlightening. Today’s comedians have an opportunity to address pressing topics while still engaging their audience, much as Groucho did. It’s all about striking that balance between laughter and thought.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Turner, for sharing your insights into Groucho Marx’s enduring influence in comedy and culture. It’s been a pleasure having you with us today!
Dr. Turner: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss Groucho! It’s always exciting to explore how humor shapes our understanding of the world.