Dan Rowan & Groucho talk about straight-men

[@Guedingen]

Groucho's unaffected gentleness and generosity get me every time. Many thanks.

[@nancyterrywhittemore2015]

Yes, gotta love Groucho!!

[@R6FTW59]

Groucho and Chico and Harpo were, and still are, and forever will be, irreplaceable. They are iconic comedic geniuses. I’ve been hooked on the Marx bro’s all my life. Would have loved to have met them. Thank you for uploading this. God bless.

[@synthonaplinth5980]

Don't forget that they were also amazing musicians.

[@luckyrabbit1923]

You forget the straight man of the group Zeppo

[@alanfontaine586]

Don't i'm gonna cry

[@bloqk16]

Considering they were brothers, it makes one wonder how zany of a household it was when they were kids and growing up.

[@marions.120]

Don’t forget Gummo and Zeppo!

[@orchardist1965]

Groucho-unique style instant recognition great raconteur and would blow many comedians today to smithereens. Long live the memory of Groucho and the Marx Bothers for all the wonderful zany moments that is their legacy. Thank you for posting.

[@Ekkie101]

Groucho's greatest straight man was a woman. Margaret Dumont!

[@tuxguys]

But remember: She almost never actually "got" his jokes.

[@Lampshade51]

Groucho was correct. Dan Rowan was a BRILLIANT straight man, one of the very, very best. Watch him on "Laugh In" work with Dick Martin. Rowan reels in Martin, sets him up and feeds him perfectly.

[@shazam2128]

True. But give that, she always said she couldn't wait to work with him and his brothers again.

[@brianpe6704]

@@tuxguysactually she DID get it but , it was great PR to say that she didn't - it added to the mystique -

[@davidvalensi8616]

@@brianpe6704 she understood, how could she not.

[@SweetJoyBG]

It's so wonderful to be able to watch all these old interviews and shows, to be able to look back to some of the greatest talents of all time. Dan Rowan was a genius and so was Groucho Marx. I miss the comedy that was given back when, today's comedy has too much curse words, sex and or violence. It takes an old timer to say a straight joke and get tons of laughs.

[@RSEFX]

Everybody isn't trying to out-clever each other. Which makes this feel more sincere, calm and smart than a lot of interviews on talk shows nowadays.

[@FireballFlareblitz734]

Ironic, not trying to out-clever each other makes them ALL more clever

[@HMMELD]

@RSEFX

[@mdhookey]

Two giants of comedy in the same room. By the way, Dick Cavett's style of natural interviewing is so refreshing for today.

[@kennybluet5527]

@Le Ed there was a show in the 60s called Laugh --In. He and a guy named Dick Martin were the hosts. It was a huge show back then and considered edgy and hip.

[@photomanwilliams4147]

@Le Ed Dan and his partner Dick Martin did scores of variety, and talk shows in the 1960's, leading to a long run as host of Laugh-in which was the number 1 show ratings wise for years. As I recall Dan Rowan died at an early age, not that long after this show. Fair to say anyone under 50 years old wouldn't have had the opportunity to see his work.

[@HMMELD]

@@photomanwilliams4147

[@David-yw2lv]

Cavett, Carson and Griffin are head & shoulders above the geeks on late night TV now.

[@Zobin211]

The hallmark of a great interviewer is that they listen; they don't interrupt; and they don't try to steer the conversation in the direction that they want it to go. It was the "Dick Cavett Show" - but it really wasn't ... it was the guest's show. This is why Dick Cavett was so great. He understood all of that. Modern hosts violate most of the basic principles of interviewing. The host wants to be the star; they constantly interrupt and interject; and they absolutely try to steer the conversation. Another thing that distinguishes Cavett's show is how "quiet" it was. It was more like a "conversation" than an interview and wasn't done for laughs and big audience reactions. It wasn't "entertainment". And even when there was tension or disagreement - it was usually done with respect and intellect. For example, when Cavett had Gore Vidal and Norman Mailer on. Those two were engaged a very "heated" exchange - and yet it was done with much wit and intelligence.

[@alexjones7043]

This is beautiful humility on all sides. This is honestly such a beautiful moment. I’m glad to have witnessed it.

[@chezruss]

I just looked it up -- Smithereens came to the English language around 1810 as “smiddereens,” from the Irish word “smidirin,” which is the diminutive form of “smiodar,” which means "fragment."

[@davidmcphail5653]

Lilly Faye Bennett Lilly- My Dad was a “non-combat” truck driver in WWII. Funny, he had a 45 pistol on his hip and a Thompson Sub Machine-gun on his truck’s door. As the war went on he got closer and closer to the real thing. But, I also have a lot of photos of him during the war, in southern Wales, then South Hampton England waiting for D-Day... and then he rode out the end of the war in Belgium. He was a very handsome man (blind in one eye though). He has dozens of photos of him with some nice looking girls. Funny thing! And his oldest sister was Lilly!

[@lillyfayebennett4057]

To:@@davidmcphail5653 My Dad Tom Bennett was hijacked and taken prisoner by 2 "civilian refugees" who asked to ride further south of Salerno where Dad dropped the rest of a big load of civilians he was ordered to take to Salerno on his return to his base at Pastum. They koshed him over the head and stole the truck. They held him prisoner, stripped him of his uniform, and the truck of what they could sell, and he only escaped by grabbing and stabbing with his own knife one of his captors. He was free up in the mountains of the Sorrento Peninsula. He wandered around in the middle of winter, in the middle of a WAR and was very sick and suffering a case of complete amnesia from the beating he had been given due to a prior escape attempt. He was taken in by an elderly farmer who hid and nursed him back to health, then directed him down towards Castellemare, where he was taken to a Bn aid station. So he experienced the worst and then the best of the Italian peoples. He didn't know who he was, where he was, or how he got there, but I know he remembered that "kindly" old farmer all his life. Not a typical War experience that's for sure!

[@lillyfayebennett4057]

To:@@davidmcphail5653 I know that was very long, this will be short, I just thought if funny. Your Aunt is/was a Lilly too. Well my Dad's older Brother Louis Estes Bennett (called "Jack") was a good looking guy, but blind in one eye too! Its a small world. Lilly B

[@marcelcasey5008]

instaBlaster...

[@garyfrancis6193]

Thanx. I didn’t know that. I suspect that is related to “ smidgen”.

[@toopoable]

If TV was still this good, I'd watch.

[@peterwilson2080]

Cavett's show was so good. He was a smart interviewer. Plus he let the guests all stay past their segments and interact with each other. Johnny Carson once said that Dick was the only guy who the networks put against him at 11:30 that could beat him and would of, if (as Carson pointed out) ABC at the time didn't have fewer stations than NBC and CBS.

[@DonaldGerbino]

I dont watch it anymore either its complete crap TV SUUUUUUCKS

[@David-yw2lv]

The only first run shows I watch now are Young Sheldon and the reboot of Night Court.I never watch those geeks on late night talk shows.

[@jessefrankel2055]

A really nice interview, showing great depth to Dan Rowan, something I never saw before. This is the kind of interview I enjoy seeing. The way they dissect--simply, yet elegantly--the concept of comedy (the straight man) was brilliant.

[@Tmanaz480]

As Irv Kupcinet called it, "The Lively Art of Conversation". This was a real "Talk Show", not a variety show (as the Tonight Show was/is).

[@Mickju]

@@Tmanaz480 Sadly, there is nothing like this today as far as I know.

[@HMMELD]

@jessefrankel2055 Trouble with many comedians is they don't know when to stop trying to be funny, have to make a joke out of everything. Refreshing to see them not trying to do that which is helped by the best interviewer in the biz, DC who doesn't encourage that type of thing

[@PC4USE1]

Groucho had the dirtiest act without any obscenities. A comedic beacon for the ages.

[@mdteletom1288]

His innuendos were brilliant. If you watch him on reruns of You Bet Your Life he probably pulled off at least one with every female guest.

[@bobboscarato1313]

They could get around without blipping bad words or the FCC pull their licenses!

[@bobboscarato1313]

Another thing is folks were more tolerant of wording; now a days they want to sue somebody! No fun anymore! It must be the government we have!

[@Cyberfool1]

I have been watching your Groucho clips for over an hour now (I'm not done yet), if I forget later, let me Thank You now for uploading all of these great scenes.

[@Scorchy666]

Cavett was one of the great interviewers. Howard Stern is trying to do this, but he's still caught up in his own persona with the wig and Robin cackling at his every word. Recently Stern said he vaguely remembered Cavett, even though he did his show when no one else wanted him.

[@peterwilson2080]

Groucho was 100% right. Dan Rowan was one of the greatest straight men of all time.

[@synthonaplinth5980]

Bud Abbott was another, I believe Groucho said that about him, as well.

[@baldilocks1914]

Dean Martin as well

[@johnperrigo6474]

Ahhhh yes..... when people on talk shows actually had interesting things to say.

[@paulden3158]

You're not watching the right talk shows (or should I say podcasts)

[@flipwright1138]

Yes because there's nothing quite as interesting as someone asking " what is a smithereen anyway?"

[@gargantuaism]

It's also great to watch talk shows like these and not hear the studio audience laugh and scream and applaud after every single thing anybody says. The audiences today are trained to scream and applaud like that and they keep flashing that stupid "Applause Sign", it makes the shows unwatchable.

[@mindriot91_96]

@@gargantuaism It's awful today. All you need is a host to say "fart" or make an infantile remark about sex and these modern audiences eat it up. :(

[@jonathanhansen3709]

Dan Rowan was fighter pilot in WW2. Flew a P40 Warhawk early in the war, and shot down three Japanese aircraft before he survived being shot down himself.

[@boblozaintherealworld3577]

I learned that only a couple months ago. Rowan had enough self-confidence just to be a fighter pilot, and I do think it is reflected in his demeanor as a comic. NOT easy to do, kids.

[@spambott1]

Dick Cavett was a great interviewer. A great talent for listening which leads to him drawing his guests out. Pays very close attention to every word of his guests. Who else would ask after Groucho repeats an obscure line from his first role "What is a smithereen?" Talk show hosts today should study Mr. Cavett.

[@January.]

I'd use "is" because he's still alive which I'm happy about :)

[@barryputterman2412]

A smithereen is a small smither.

[@pipeandslippersman]

the look of deep respect and honour on dan rowan's face is lovely. must have been amazing to be complimented by the best...

[@TheCliffandPhilShow]

It really is. Almost too much to take!:)

[@ellensteiner6979]

What a handsome, gracious gentleman.

[@jimhanold9026]

Indeed!

[@freddylubin]

I love how Cavett stops talking when he realizes that Groucho had more to say. Wouldn't happen today.

[@farismag]

In Arabian cultures, we still do that.

[@baldilocks1914]

Classy guy Cavett was

[@cindypattana6071]

It's called "respect," and not much of it exists today.

[@Jeremyramone]

Excellent point! Its pitiful that there's no dialogue these days just ego flexing.vile

[@Mickju]

@@baldilocks1914 Cavett idolized Groucho, as well he should.

[@BabyFaceBren]

Groucho was such a big star he could wear a pajama top on TV and no one cared.

[@bssims6331]

You wouldn't want to be a member of a club that any of them belonged to.

[@isotopefeeney]

It's because he was gonna hop in the sack w. Flemmo (next to him) ASAP !!

[@kenburke4167]

If you watch Dan Rowan work with Dick Martin you'll see that he always keeps the audience focused on his partner. I agree with Groucho, Rowan was one of the best straightmen of his time.

[@Mike1960s-teenager]

I totally agree, Dan Rowan was class, watch Rowan and Martin roast Don Rickles on the Dean Martin Roasts pure professional class act.

[@jazzmanchgo]

Actually, Groucho was that rare comedian who could switch from being straight man to funnyman in a flash. He was Harpo's straight man, and in a lot of their extended routines, he was Chico's straight man, too -- then he'd cap it off with a comic zinger at the end and bring the house down.

[@January.]

*straight men

[@bobboscarato1313]

@@January. Yes; it's very unfortunate that the meaning has evolved into something quite different!

[@jrcflaus]

Wow. TV was really classy back then. Smooth host, wonderful, iconic guests and a great band/songs.

[@FerretJohn]

When Abbott & Costello first got together they split their earnings something like 60/40 with Bud Abbott getting the greater share. Both men agreed that that was not only fair but common practice among all Vaudeville comedians. Comedians were a dime a dozen but a good Straight Man was worth their weight in gold.

[@arthurfranklin9315]

That's quite interesting, but is there a chance that Abbott was the main bit writer? Abbott's wife claimed that he used to perform an earlier version of 'Who's on First?' with another comedian. For that reason alone, the man with the most material should get higher pay.

[@FerretJohn]

@@arthurfranklin9315 Who's On First wasn't created by Abbott or Costello, nobody's sure who created it, but it's been around since the turn of the century and was a staple among Vaudeville performers, Abbott & Costello just made it their own.

[@arthurfranklin9315]

@@FerretJohn Who's On First was written by Abbott & Costello in the same way that Charlie Parker wrote songs like "Anthropology", "Moose the Mooche" and "Steeplechase" which were all really "I Got Rhythm" with different melodies tacked on. The comparison comes to mind because Abbott was able to copyright their skit in the same way that jazz musicians were able to copyright their variations on other people's songs. If Charlie Parker is called a composer (and he is) then we can call Abbott & Costello writers.

[@FerretJohn]

@@arthurfranklin9315 Problem with them trying to copyright it though would be that Abbott and Costello rarely performed it the same way twice. It was the same routine but a word-for-word script was never used

[@synthonaplinth5980]

When asked about Bud Abbott after Bud's death, Groucho remarked that Bud was the 'greatest straight man ever'.

[@jerryrichardson2799]

Thanks for the upload. I know Groucho wasn't the nicest guy off stage, but he was whip smart and hilarious on stage.

[@BayareaGuy06]

R.I.P. Groucho Marx (1890-1977) and Dan Rowan (1922-1987).

[@BayareaGuy06]

Yep Groucho lived to the ripe old age of 86 and Dan lived to be only 65.

[@synthonaplinth5980]

MetrazolElectricity Eric Morecambe of Morecambe & Wise went first.

[@synthonaplinth5980]

MetrazolElectricity Oh, 'scuse me. My fault.

[@wabblum99]

man the amount of changes we have went through since they died and the amount they missed out on

[@synthonaplinth5980]

wabblum99 Hear, hear it would have been great to hear Groucho's take on a lot of them.

[@terencedove5047]

When Cav did a talk show...the talk was worth its weight in gold...

[@chowbok]

I agree, and that was the first thing I thought. Margaret Dumont and Zeppo were Groucho's straight men, Groucho was Chico's straight man.

[@rickyrydell]

The video quality is outstanding. Amazing!

[@Veggieman87]

Dick Cavett and to a lesser extent Johnny Carson are the best examples of true "talk show" hosts, in my opinion. Dick never interrupts, he lets the guest go where he wants with the subject, and he always shows respect. Carson was more of a comic, with The Tonight Show being more of a variety program anyway, but in interviews, he largely would let his guests do the majority of the talking.

[@bobboscarato1313]

Very true and that's why we miss those great shows. Jack Paar and Steve Allen had excellent shows too; many more with varying degrees of success!

[@HMMELD]

A great thing about Cavett & Carson - if they had a serious guest on they gave it the seriousness it deserved and didn't try to make a joke out of everything. I'd give Cavett the edge over Carson - best interviewer ever

[@theodorafaux]

Great interview. Unbelievable to see Groucho smoking a cigar and Dan Rowan smoking a cigarette on TV though

[@earlegavin5931]

Richard Dawson gets a mention, love his Groucho's impression.

[@wh4193]

So do I, he was hilarious

[@mattmcgovern6591]

Walter Matthau should've been in awe to be mentioned by Groucho like that, with such praise

[@Honeysucklebommie]

I had to look it up: Smithereens. [From Irish Gaelic smidirīn, diminutive of smiodar, small fragment.]

[@daviddixey]

Obviously not a word used in US. Used by us Brits.

[@disgruntledpedant2755]

Really? Smithereens a foreign word to you? Wow. Rumpleboompus!!

[@collectingmythoughts991]

Call the station. 😉

[@jchapman8248]

@@daviddixey I beg to differ. As a kid growing up in California, we used the word smithereens quite often and accompanied it with the requisite sound effects when we played ARMY, John Wayne and Audie Murphy style. "Kabang! boom...we blew that Gerry tank to smithereens!"

[@keithmills778]

@@jchapman8248 It was (is?) also the name of a band. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Smithereens

[@borch1260]

What stands out is the ease of the conversation. Nothing is forced.

[@TugHaines]

Meaning “small bits or pieces,” “smithereens” is almost always encountered either in the phrase “blown to smithereens” or in the alliterative “smashed to smithereens.” “Smithereens” first appeared in English in 1829 in the form “smiddereens,” and most likely was borrowed from the Irish “smidirin,” meaning “small bit or fragment.” One thing I didn’t mention in my original column was that “smithereens” appears to be closely related (through Scots) to “smidgen,” meaning “a tiny amount.” Another interesting fact is that you can’t have a single “smithereen.” The noun only exists in plural form, although you can “smithereen” something by smashing it to bits. from The Word Detective

[@tomb4575]

Very interesting. There was a lot of Groucho in Alan Alda's Hawkeye. Anybody remember that in the original Odd Couple stage casting Walter Matthau was Oscar and Felix was played by Art Carney.

[@essessessesq]

Alda was 100% groucho except when ''serious''

[@louisep4805]

I can see how Groucho has influenced so many people such a strong character and so bright and intelligent

[@americanpatriot9865]

Groucho’s eyebrow raising and cigar wiggling is iconic ... imitated so many times.

[@January.]

Dan Rowan was a good-looker, too

[@hyzercreek]

Funny that Chico was his straight man when Chico was pretty darn funny himself. AND he was Harpo's straight man as well.

[@bobsquires4521]

Who was the producer? DICK CAVETT ROCKED! He had the greatest guests and he was very disarming.

[@yankee2666]

He also was the most deft interviewer at getting out of his own way.

[@Veggieman87]

The question I have is how exactly Chico was Groucho's straightman? I always thought it was the other way around. It always seemed to me that Chico got more jokes in.

[@rebeccasabet2802]

Richard Dawson as Groucho was the first time i was aware there was a Groucho.

[@wh4193]

When I saw him as Groucho I wanted to know who he was pretending to be it was hilarious

[@timo.6634]

Bud Abbott was outstanding. Who's on First a great example.

[@MrKlemps]

Groucho was so intelligent, widely-read, demonstrated a superb use of the English language, and withal he was past 80 and Erin Fleming really fooled him. She eventually treated him with great cruelty as he aged precipitately after several strokes, was out for his money (which she never got), was mentally ill, and died young virtually in the gutter.

[@qinm8r]

As an ex-smoker, I have to agree that cigarettes are definitely not all freedom. They steal your money and make you feel trapped and anxious when you aren't smoking them.

[@salvagemonster3612]

I didn’t think about until this that Walter Matthau did do the same delivery and patter as Groucho

[@maxthepupp]

Dan Rowan...low key one of the most handsome guys of the period!

[@ardiris2715]

I was 10 in 1968, and Dan Rowan was one of my life's role models whenever I wore a suit. (:

[@charleswinokoor6023]

I’ve always wondered what that closing theme was that Bobby Rosengarden and the band played at the end of the show. A soulful and sultry jazz number for sure.

[@VinzKlortho]

Same. I’d love to know the name of it

[@davidmoser3535]

I saw a interview where Groucho said Bud Abbott was the best straight man of all time. Cant disagree with him

[@inyobill]

"So ya wanna be funny? Do it like Groucho would." Those brothers were sheer genius. Going on 100 years latere, we can still enjoy their genius.

[@alainjames9556]

That's also one of the great things about Johnny Carson. He could be a great straight man. (Look at the clips with Rodney Dangerfield as examples.)

[@Lampshade51]

The Cavett ABC show of the late 60s/early 70s was a gem. Carson was a great monologist, comedian and personality, but his interviews were his weakness. Cavett excells at a smart interview. Also, the business of keeping all guests on the set to interact is just wonderful. Maybe it is just the era, but the easy pace with extended answers and interactions is great. Today, eveything is bang bang bang with short answers, a clip, and the guest is gone. The Cavett DVDs are really a joy.

[@dancochrane5577]

Alan Alda did Groucho in every episode of MASH.

[@Veggieman87]

So refreshing to see Rowan call Groucho "sir".

[@jj3710]

One of the greatest interviews!

[@sheilatrachtenberg8997]

Groucho had a great stage persona and talent. Even though he was really showing age by this time, he was still in decent shape. It was right after this that he had the stroke that sent his health into sharp decline.

[@docadams7099]

4:12 I always waited for the chicken to come down. That's my favorite bit on You Bet Your Life.

[@zyxmyk]

Groucho seemed like a sweet old guy.

[@Chutney1luv]

When Groucho talks, I listen! Him coming from a classic era of television; with his brothers; have given the world, enjoyment! You want a good laugh, just pull up any of his classic clips or movies! ⭐🎬⭐💕

[@WOODBINEMAN99]

You were a one of a kind Groucho

[@mr.magister5531]

Groucho had Chico and he also had Zeppo, the Marx brothers ran amok in the paramount movies and outside of a Night At The Opera they were stifled and sanitised by MGM, the Zeppo character was continued first with Alan Jones then a whole bunch of nauseating others. They had Chico caring about things at MGM, Chico never cared about anything in the early films and Groucho didn't have a care in the world and that's what made them work. Nobody was immune in those wonderful paramount films.

[@FireballFlareblitz734]

I feel like Zeppo is extremely underrated as a straight man.

[@MultiBudboy]

I love these load-ups, but they have one thing in common: not a one lists the year - let alone the date - of the original broadcast.

[@billgedeon1857]

My wife is always telling me to cool it with the Groucho imitations & sense of humor..She says I piss people off..They don't understand it..

[@markstevens1729]

They obviously don’t find it funny either.

[@bozomonster]

If I could wish immortality on any human it would be Grouch Marx for his wonderful mind and incredible wit.

[@MsGeekomatic]

I love Groucho, I hate that even then, these n0-talent, BS artists were demeaning him, making him seem aged or whatever, when usually he was the only reason anyone was watching at all.

[@RRaquello]

Groucho & Chico traded being straight man to each other. Groucho played straight man to Chico quite a bit.

[@VIDEOHEREBOB]

Bud Abbott has got to be in the top 3.

[@hyzercreek]

Funny that Chico was a straight man for Groucho, maybe early in their careers, because he sure wasn't a straight man in the movies. Zeppo was straight man in 5 movies, Chico was just as funny as the other 2.

[@lynnturman8157]

Groucho was the funniest, wittiest comedian ever before or since. He could come up with an hilarious one-liner almost at will.

[@HMMELD]

@lynnturman8157 Great thing is, it wasn't forced. As a testament to his greatness several tries have been made to revive the "You bet your life" show and failed miserably,.

[@mariadelcarmenhierrosalvat1790]

Por favor,me gustaría saber lo que cuenta!!, Traducir a español, se lo agradecería, saludos desde el sur de España.

[@Azrielle77]

i love this talk show, wish we had a format like this- closest thing is dave letterman on netflix old schooling it. Can we have a talk show like this please! todays show dont hold the class of a show like this - they are scripted- and trying to out do comedy scripts so they can get the best views on the internet.. there is nothing deep or profound about the current shows today, they are mind numbingly entertaining but you learn nothing- it just caters to plugging a type of hollywood product.. This show has dialogue, honest, and unscripted and it has flow and u learn something.. just love this host, this is one of my fave interviews along with Marlon Brando../and orson welles. just love it.

[@baskervillebee6097]

Craig Ferguson was wonderful at listening and drawing out guests.

[@loudredflipflops]

Great to see this!

[@Apathynosebleed]

That music is “Meet the Girls” composed by Bob Rosengarden and Phil Krause

[@counterflow5719]

Thank you, I really enjoy that music, I had no idea where it came from.

[@zapkvr]

Yes I read that too.. He was in court almost up until the day he died of pneumonia. Grocho sure had a very bad rrun of luck with the women in his life. I think because no one could ever replace his mother Minnie. She was the classic stage mother but all of the boys adored her.

[@AlanCanon2222]

I can understand being on tenterhooks while talking unrehearsed with Groucho. He was a ticking Hydrogen bomb of comedy.

[@ExtremeBeatlesArchive]

Dan Rowan was no more of a straight man to Dick Martin than Dean Martin was to Jerry Lewis. They were comedic equals

[@jadezee6316]

this is a great great clip...because very few people are aware of what a straight man is/was and how important they are... like groucho says...without a straight man..you have no comedy team

[@dharmaseed]

Wow, what a compliment. Groucho telling ANYONE they was a great straight man carried tremendous weight.

[@julianmarsh1378]

Return with us to days of yesteryear, when hosts and guest had something interesting and intelligent to say....now, fast forward to today....arrrgghhhh!

[@EvenEvenOdd]

Harpo Marx, in Harpo's autobiography, refers to Groucho as the straight man.

[@wardka]

Erin who? She looks so familiar but I can't quite place her. It's driving me a little crazy.

[@wardka]

Never mind. I looked it up. This is not who I thought it was. [Shudder.]

[@HermanIngram]

In my day we had numbers. There was one, and two, and three, and four. There were a lot of numbers.

[@thescowlingschnauzer]

(sigh) remember when talk shows were about getting several interesting people to talk to each other instead of just one celebrity plugging a product to a host. Craig Ferguson got us to honest conversation again and Jimmy Fallon has gotten us to guests having fun not related to product endorsement, but we still don't have discussion the way we used to.

[@thescowlingschnauzer]

Terncote There are a few. I suppose Bill Maher has multiple guests on at once altho he steamrolls them. Graham Norton is close but still very light in tone.

[@thescowlingschnauzer]

Terncote I agree with you on Maher. Too smart for his own good. Graham Norton is great. I wish we had a more intellectual version tho. I mean look how intellectual Dick Cavett is by comparison, and he was pop culture guy next to Jack Paar and other old interviewers.

[@thescowlingschnauzer]

Terncote Such an experiment called humanity. It's a pity.

[@imaginativelads]

I think the average cultural IQ has dropped and that's why creole can't communicate anymore. Who wants anything to do with the counterculture today anyway? This counter cultural moment has been brought to you by Trojen condoms.

[@imaginativelads]

Sorry, meant to use the word people not creole.

[@maxedwell]

This is an amazing clip. Only now & then do we get to peek beyond the veil that is the manufactured Hollywood/conglomerate interview. Even back in the Golden Age of TV, it was a flood of propaganda (although, less filtered than today's garbage). Plus, Groucho... the man bridged the era of radio & on into the TV era much like his many talented peers (Red Skeleton being a notable for me). Seeing interviews like this make me wish Cab Calloway, or Charlie Chaplin could have hit TV. Great upload!

[@elpolarbear]

Groucho is such a great presence

[@cbak12sg]

Stan Laurel wasn't a straight man. Laurel & Hardy are the only comic duo I can think of from the greats where neither was a straight man. Here in Britain, our most famous duo were Morecambe and Wise. Ernie Wise was the straight man. He was brilliant, but it was Eric Morecambe who got the laughs.

[@thescowlingschnauzer]

Stan Laurel was the straight man to Oliver Hardy's bombast and Oliver Hardy was the straight man to Stan Laurel's physical comedy. They each provided a level point of reference to contrast the other's comedic strengths.

[@APOCALYPSE_X-MEN]

thescowlingschnauzer So true!!!

[@cbak12sg]

You won't find me saying that the silly head scratching, the crying, the tendency to say something sensible only to twist it into something stupid, or putting tobacco into his fist and smoking it, were the acts of a straight man. For a straight man, see Zeppo Marx.

[@thescowlingschnauzer]

Terncote I don't know that it's self-importance or dignity that makes a straight man. I think, whatever the game or joke, is the straight man is the one who is closer to the audience's reality. I think of a Key & Peele sketch I saw recently where Jordan Peele was an unorthodox detective and Keegan-Michael Key was a rookie cop questioning his methods. Key was very loud and colorful in his questioning of Peele, and Peele's character definitely had more self-importance, but Key was still the straight man because he speaking for the audience.

[@jacquelinesternberg8461]

Laurel and Hardy's straight man was the great James Finlayson ... but, come to think of it, Finlayson was funny, too, in his own right, as the little man who huffed and puffed menace at the boys, and did the best double-takes of all time.

[@tamerlanenj]

Margaret Dumont was Groucho's straight man

[@Sicarius089]

for those who are wondering as was I, a Smitherine is a Gaelic word for a small fragment but they spell it smidirin. learn something new everyday.

[@thor8580]

I hate getting older mostly because I live for the past and I loath the future. RIP Mr Marx Mr Martin and Mr Cavett God bless.

[@MGtzz]

Groucho is so funny and witty and generous here.

[@andy42x]

Gilbert Gottfried's impression brought me here.

[@MyLateralThawts]

In the small town of Smithereens, people are regularly blown away… this despite the vice squad vigorously attempting to stop it!

[@NewMessage]

Smithereens are defined as 'small pieces'. A few decades late, but.. there ya go.

[@tremelo8508]

Chico was the straight man? I would think it would be Zeppo.

[@icturner23]

This was recommended to me after I watched Marx on ‘I Have a Secret’ being flirtatious with and making sexual innuendos about women, so I thought it meant they were talking about heterosexual men!

[@marciellopez5845]

Does anyone know the name of the ending song?

[@edmundmclean2814]

All I hear is Gilbert Gottfried’ old Groucho impression 😂

[@casyatbat]

Definition of smithereens : : fragments, bits the vase was in smithereens on the floor -usually used in phrases like blow to smithereens or smash to smithereens Roughly once a second, a star somewhere in the universe explodes.