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Today is the 122nd birthday of Herbert Manfred Marx (February 25, 1901 – November 30, 1979), commonly known as Zeppo. He was the youngest of the Marx Brothers, appeared on stage after older brother Gummo was drafted, and appeared on stage and in the first five Marx Brothers films.Zeppo was an essential part of the act. If you don't believe me, check out the letter scene from Animal Crackers. Only Zeppo could have pulled it off. It took a Marx Brotehr to do that to Groucho. Harpo didn't talk and if it had been Chico, it would hve descended into...

Zeppo Marx as Horatio Jamison in the 1930 Marx Brothers Film Animal Crackers. As usual, Zeppo plays straight man to his brother Groucho.Growing up in the pre-cable TV era, our choices of programming were quite limited and local television stations had to rely on old movies and reruns due to the high cost of producing original broadcasting. Even though our selection was limited it was a blessing in disguise. Other than TCM buffs (like myself) and the annual Christmas showings of It’s a Wonderful Life and A Christmas Carol (the one starring Alistair Sim is the best, by the way),...