“I must say I find television very educational,” said Groucho Marx, in 1950. “The minute somebody turns it on, I go into the library and read a good book.” After their career on vaudeville and Broadway stages, and following a series of classic films, the Marx Brothers — Groucho, Harpo and Chico — ventured into the new medium of television. A new 3-DVD set (available Aug. 12), The Marx Brothers TV Collection (Shout! Factory), offers 50 performances by the celebrated comedians on TV programs, such as The Dinah Shore Chevy Show and The Red Skelton Hour. Bonus clips include shtick from Groucho’s show, You Bet Your Life, which made the jump from radio to TV, and Harpo’s 1960 commercial for Labatt’s beer. The world needs some funny right now, and the Marx Brothers certainly lighten the mood. For details, go to: shoutfactory.com. — Mordecai Specktor
