THE UNKNOWN MARX BROTHERS

THE UNKNOWN MARX BROTHERS Narrated by Leslie Nielsen (1993, Fox Lorber, unrated, $19.98) You should rent this affectionate video portrait (first shown on the Disney Channel) just to hear the conflicting accounts of how the Marxes got their nicknames. But leave the tape running for the rest of the fascinating story, which chronicles the Marxes' collective career from their vaudeville days to their twilight years. Interviewed offspring and peers add insight to a rich array of rare footage -- including home movies, obscure screen appearances, and some priceless outtakes from Groucho's quiz show, You Bet Your Life. But ultimately, it's those clips from the trio's classic movies that best express what's special about these brilliant clowns. Bring this home with a copy of Duck Soup or A Night at the Opera. You'll be needing a feature-length Marx Brothers fix. B+

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