A celebration of the Marx Brothers and their trademark brand of humor take center stage at SUNY Fredonia with the return of “Freedonia Marxonia: Marx Brothers Film Festival and Symposium,” Saturday, April 24, beginning at 1 p.m. in 105 Fenton Hall.
The fun-filled afternoon features a presentation by Marx Brothers aficionado Matthew Hahn and his wife, Cheri, an exhibition of Marx Brothers memorabilia by Paul Wesolowski and, of course, a screening of “Duck Soup,” the classic 1930s film that took place in a mythical country of Freedonia, a dictatorship run by none other than Groucho.
“Many surprises will be a part of the 2010 festival but traditional elements will remain, including the Marx Brothers related contests,” said Kathleen Fiori, symposium organizer. Cash prizes will be awarded in “best in class” for skits, which contain scene re-enactments; art, any medium; and look-alike efforts undertaken by groups or individuals. Contests are open to students, alumni and community members. Other Marx Brothers films will also be shown.
Of course, SUNY Fredonia couldn’t stage a Marx Brothers celebration without a large group photo of Marx Brothers fans sporting Groucho-style glasses, which will be given away to all participants.
Matthew and Cheri Hahn, of Severn, Maryland, came on board as this year’s sponsor after Matthew attended Freedonia Marxonia’s return last year. Matthew Hahn has been a huge Marx Brothers fan since childhood after seeing the theatrical re-release of “A Day at the Races” and reading Paul Zimmerman’s classic “The Marx Brothers at the Movies.” He works for the Ciesla Foundation, an educational foundation that produces and distributes films to educate the public on past and current social issues.
All symposium events are free and open to the public.
