Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel: The Complete Series 1-3: A recreation of the Marx Brothers’ lost shows Audiobook (Free)

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

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

First broadcast on America’s NBC network between 1932-33, Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel charted the exploits of shady lawyer Waldorf T Flywheel (played out by Groucho Marx) and his dopey associate, Emmanuel Ravelli (played by Chico Marx). The original recordings had been lost, about Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel: The Complete Series 1-3: A recreation from the Marx Brothers’ lost shows but the scripts had been rediscovered and edited by Michael Barson. These were published as Flywheel, Shyster & Flywheel: The Marx Brothers Shed Radio Display and licensed for any dramatic adaptation by the BBC.

Between 1990 – 92, BBC Radio 4 recorded the adaptation before a live studio market. Its fast-paced and quickfire gags proved to be a hit, earning a Yellow metal Medal at the New York International Festival in 1992.

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

Michael Roberts assumes Groucho’s role while Flywheel, while Frank Lazarus deputises for Chico as Ravelli. Among the standard ensemble are Lorelei King, Graham Hoadly and Vincent Marzello, with guest celebrities including Spike Milligan and Dick Vosburgh.

Produced by Dirk Maggs

A BBC Studios production