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AMERICAN MASTERS: Groucho & Cavett

Groucho Marx and Dick Cavett on the Dick Cavett Show, June 1969.
Courtesy of Photo by Ron Baldwin
/
PBS
Groucho Marx and Dick Cavett on the Dick Cavett Show, June 1969.

Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at 10 p.m. on KPBS TV / stream now with KPBS Passport!

AMERICAN MASTERS “Groucho & Cavett” explores the enduring friendship between Emmy Award-winning television personality Dick Cavett and iconic comedian Groucho Marx. Cavett, a writer for Jack Parr on THE TONIGHT SHOW, met Marx at the funeral of playwright George S. Kaufman in 1961. When Cavett made the transition from writer to comedian in 1965, he was encouraged and mentored by Marx.

AMERICAN MASTERS: Groucho & Cavett: Preview:

In 1968, Cavett became the host of his own talk show and Marx became a frequent guest capturing what Cavett calls, “the last of Groucho’s greatness.” This film chronicles the pair’s relationship through new interviews with Cavett, footage from Marx’s visits to THE DICK CAVETT SHOW and other rare recordings.

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Groucho Marx roasts Dick Cavett

Archival footage and interviews from THE DICK CAVETT SHOW:

Groucho Marx, comedian, actor and writer
Jack Paar, comedian and television host
George Burns, comedian and friend of the Marx Brothers
E.Y. Harburg, composer
Woody Allen, comedian, filmmaker and friend of Groucho Marx
Erin Fleming, Groucho Marx’s companion and manager
Dan Rowan, comedian and actor
Phyllis Newman, actress and singer
Shelley Winters, actress
Truman Capote, author

Dick Cavett's early days of standup comedy

Watch On Your Schedule: This film is available to stream with KPBS Passport, a benefit for members supporting KPBS at $60 or more yearly, using your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, AppleTV, Amazon Fire or Chromecast. Learn how to activate your benefit now.

What made Groucho Marx a great writer
When Groucho Marx hosted "The Tonight Show"

Credits: A production of Cavalier Films in association with Daphne Productions, Inc. and American Masters Pictures. Written, produced and directed by Robert S. Bader. Allan Falk is co-producer. Frank Ferrante is associate producer. Michael Kantor is executive producer for AMERICAN MASTERS.

The Four Marx Brothers with their father, Sam "Frenchy" Marx, 1931.
Courtesy of Marx Brothers, Inc.
/
PBS
The Four Marx Brothers with their father, Sam "Frenchy" Marx, 1931.