Lectures For Lifelong Learners!

Chicago has produced many comedy legends, and this hour-long lecture considers two of them: the Marx Brothers (collectively) and Bob Newhart. We’ll start with a leisurely walk to the Marx Brothers’ Chicago home, which you’ll experience via HD video. There, you will learn about a subgenre of film called anarchic comedy. You’ll also take a ride down Route 66 and see where the Marx family once owned a chicken farm. (Yes, a chicken farm!) Then, we’ll shift comedic gears to Bob Newhart. Newhart was born in Chicago, and his sitcom The Bob Newhart Show (1972-78) was set there as well. In this section, you’ll visit 3 locations (again, via HD video) near and dear to the comedian and actor, all while learning about his significance to American comedy history.