Comedy in Chicago: The Marx Brothers and Bob Newhart
Mon, Jul 21
|Helen Plum Library
Learn about the Chicago connections of a few giants of American comedy
Time and Location
Jul 21, 2025, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM CDT
Helen Plum Library, 411 S Main St, Lombard, IL 60148, USA
About
Chicago's onscreen history with comedy runs deep. This movie talk and accompanying virtual tour (with HD video) will consider major players in American film comedy, all of whom have strong ties to the Windy City.
In Part 1, we'll begin with a leisurely walk to the Marx Brothers' Chicago home. There, you will learn about a subgenre of film called anarchic comedy. You'll also "take a ride" down a slice of historic Route 66 and see where the Marx family once owned a chicken farm. (Yes, a chicken farm.)
Then in Part 2, we'll shift comedic gears to Bob Newhart. Newhart was born in Chicago, and his sitcom The Bob Newhart Show (1972-78) was set here as well. In this section of the talk, you'll visit three locations near and dear to the comedian and actor: his childhood home, his Oak Park apartment, and Navy Pier.
Join Chicago Movie Tours and discover the city's comedy roots through TV and film.