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Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel: The Complete Series 1-3 cover art

Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel: The Complete Series 1-3

By: Nat Perrin, Arthur Sheekman, Mark Brisenden
Narrated by: Frank Lazarus, full cast, Michael Roberts
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Summary

A BBC radio recreation of the Marx Brothers’ lost shows, starring Michael Roberts and Frank Lazarus

First broadcast on America’s NBC network between 1932-33, Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel charted the exploits of shady lawyer Waldorf T Flywheel (played by Groucho Marx) and his dopey assistant, Emmanuel Ravelli (played by Chico Marx). The original recordings were lost, but the scripts were rediscovered and edited by Michael Barson. These were published as Flywheel, Shyster & Flywheel: The Marx Brothers Lost Radio Show and licensed for a dramatic adaptation by the BBC.

Between 1990 – 92, BBC Radio 4 recorded the adaptation in front of a live studio audience. Its fast-paced and quickfire gags proved to be a hit, winning a Gold Medal at the New York International Festival in 1992.

In this collection are the three complete radio series, produced by the award-winning Dirk Maggs (The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy) and published together for the very first time. In these eighteen episodes, the duo look after a Rembrandt, try to bamboozle a millionaire, stay in a haunted mansion and join the carnival – along with many other hilarious misadventures.

Michael Roberts takes on Groucho’s role as Flywheel, while Frank Lazarus deputises for Chico as Ravelli. Among the regular cast are Lorelei King, Graham Hoadly and Vincent Marzello, with guest stars including Spike Milligan and Dick Vosburgh.

Produced by Dirk Maggs

A BBC Studios production

©2019 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2019 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Critic reviews

"A treasure horde of delightfully crazy humour." (Dirk Maggs)

"For me this BBC version is a flattering improvement!" (Nat Perrin, co-creator of the original 1932 Marx Brothers Radio series.) 

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What listeners say about Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel: The Complete Series 1-3

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Brilliant

I lost my audible account years ago, came back and this was one of the main reasons I came back, guaranteed to put a smile on the face.

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Pretty good

It’s pretty good, not the best comedy in the world but the breaking the fourth wall is brilliant and the performances are great. I’d give it a go!

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For a Marx Bros fans, this is lovely fun

You already know if you want to listen to a radio comedy show from the 40s starring Grouchy and Chico. The question is: how are the guys *playing* the long-dead Groucho and Chico in this reconstruction of a long lost show? The answer is: they’re both great; very funny and good impersonators.

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    3 out of 5 stars
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Starts brilliantly gets worse

I had this when I was young, it starts really well but by the end it isn’t funny.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Marx brothers, not quite

got to say went in with some doubt about this, but if you are a Marx bros fan it's worth the listen

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Simply Magnificent Marx

As a fan of the Marx Brothers you'll love this Robert's and Lazarus are pitch perfect and the rest of the ensemble dont miss a beat. 10 out of 10

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I wish I were in the Audience - totally enjoyable

I wish I were in the Audience - totally enjoyable
The last time I had so much pleasure was when I was in an audience watching hitchhickers guide to the Galaxy in Mold theatre Wales... which believe me was a Long time ago...
I can listen to this audiable over and over again - 100% enjoyment.

100% out of 100%

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An absolute gem

This is my best purchase yet. I laughed from start to finish and it’s hard to believe it’s not Groucho.

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