BankofMarquis Entertainment

01/01/2026

Starting 2026 with the 1931 Marx Brothers film MONKEY BUSINESS, their first film produced in Hollywood and a Marx Brothers film that actually makes use of Zeppo!

It is listed at #73 on the American Film Institute's 2000 list of the FUNNIEST AMERICAN MOVIES.

And...contains one of my favorite Groucho lines of all time:

"Oh, why can't we break away from all this, just you and I, and lodge with my fleas in the hills? I mean... flee to my lodge in the hills!!!"

12/14/2024

In Memoriam: KARL MALDEN (1912 - 2009)

Born into a Czech family on March 22, 1912 as Mladen Sekulovich, Karl Malden was a mark of quality in whatever project he appeared in.

​He was featured in 72 Films/TV shows and was nominated 2x for an Oscar - both times when he played opposite Marlon Brando. First in ON THE WATERFRONT and next in his Oscar winning role as Mitch in A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE.

​Other notable roles include: Omar Bradley in PATTON, Zebulon Prescott in the epic HOW THE WEST WAS WON and Herbie Sommers opposite Rosalind Russell in GYPSY.

On television, Malden would play straight-laced Police Detective Lt. Mike Stone for 5 seasons on THE STREETS OF SAN FRANCISCO (nominated 4x for the Lead Actor in a Drama Series emmy). He would WIN an Emmy for Supporting Actor in a Limited Series, playing Freddy Kassab who spends 9 years trying to prove his Son-In-Law killed his daughter in FATAL VISION.

​Even more famously, he was world-renowned as the trench-coated pitchman for American Express Travelers Checks and the famous catchphrase "Don't Leave Home Without It".

Malden died at age 97 of natural causes at his home in Los Angeles on July 1, 2009. He was buried at Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery in Westwood, California.

07/19/2024

IN MEMORIUM - Bob Newhart, (1929-2024)

The "Button-Down Mind" has been silenced.

Comedian and Actor Bob Newhart, noted for his deadpan delivery, has passed away at the age of 94.

Born on Sept 25, 1929 in Oak Park, Illinois, graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a Business Management degree and was drafted into the Army where he served until 1954.

After several aborted attempts at a Business job, Newhart landed as an advertising copywriter for Fred A. Niles, a major independent film and television producer in Chicago.

At was there where he and a co-worker would entertain each other with long phone calls about absurd situations - a routine that would become his staple when his comedy album THE BUTTONED DOWN MIND OF BOB NEWHART became the first comedy album to become #1 on the Billboard charts. It would go on to win two Grammy Awards, Album of the Year and Best New Artist.

And, thus, a comedy legend was born.

Newhart would be a staple on Variety shows such as The Dean Martin Show, The Judy Garland Show, The Ed Sullivan show and the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour as well as appearing in films such as the WWII flick HELL IS FOR HEROES (where he does his phone bit to confuse the Germans), CATCH-22 and COLD TURKEY.

Soon after his appearance on the Smothers Brothers Show, Newhart would star in his own hit sitcom THE BOB NEWHART SHOW about Chicago psychologist Bob Hartley and his wife Emily (Suzanne Pleshette). This show would run from 1972-1978, but would be passed over for Emmy's in favor of the "splashier" ALL IN THE FAMILY, THE MARY TYLER MOORE SHOW and M*A*S*H.

Newhart would voice the character of Bernard in the 1977 Disney Animated Film THE RESCUERS and would reprise his role in the 1990 Disney Animated Film THE RESCUERS DOWN UNDER.

In 1982, Newhart would return to situation comedy television. starring in NEWHART where he would play an innkeeper in a small town in Vermont. Bob would be nominated for 3 Emmy's for Lead Actor in a Situation Comedy, but would not win. Famously, this sitcom's final scene is widely regarded as the best final scene in televsion series in history as Bob is knocked unconscious and wakes up in bed with Suzanne Pleschette.

After his 2nd hit sitcom ended, Newhart would pop up in character roles in such films as ELF, IN & OUT and HORRIBLE BOSSES,would reprise his role as Dr. Robert Hartley in an episode of MURPHY BROWN and would take a dramatic turn in a 2003 arc on the hit televsion series ER.

He also would become, "Bob Newhart, Action Star" in the comedy/adventure film THE LIBRARIAN: RETURN TO KING SOLOMON'S MINES as well as the sequel THE LIBRARIAN: CURSE OF THE JUDAS CHALICE in 2006 and 2008.

In 2013, Newhart would appeared in an Episode of the 6th Season of the BIG BANG THEORY for which he would win his only Primetime Emmy.

He would reprise this role 5 more times in BIG BANG THEORY as well as 3 Episodes of the prequel series YOUNG SHELDON (which would turn out to be his last film appearance).

Newhart would remain a working stand-up comedian well into his '90's. I saw him perform his routine live at the Orpheum Theater in Minneapolis a few years ago - and he still had his fastball.

Thank you, Mr. Newhart, for your years of sophisticated entertainment.

You may hang up the phone now.

01/01/2024

As is my tradition, I start each New Year with a viewing of a Marx Brothers film - this year it is GO WEST. Not the best of the Marx Bros. films, but the first one 1 saw and the first one I showed my kids, so it has a special place in my heart.

The train scene at the end is worth the price of admission.

Thanks to Junior High School friend, Dave Dee for introducing me to this fabulous trio, lo those many years ago.

Happy New Year, everyone.

10/12/2022

In Memorium - ANGELA LANSBURY (1925 - 1922)

By now most folks have seen, read or written themselves about the wonderful life and legacy of the legendary Angela Lansbury who's career spanned well over 75 years.

Starting on stage, she made her Film debut in the wonderfully creepy 1944 film GASLIGHT and would sing and dance her way through MGM musicals like THE HARVEY GIRLS, TILL THE CLOUDS ROLL BY and THE COURT JESTER as well as appear in such dramatic films as THE DARK AT THE TOP OF THE STAIRS and THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE all the while keeping one foot on the stage winning Tony Awards for her roles in “Mame” (1966), “Dear World” (1969), “Gypsy” (1974 revival), and “Sweeney Todd” (1979).

Obviously, she is well known to today's audiences as the Murder Mystery writing and solving Jessica Fletcher in MURDER SHE WROTE as well as the voice of Mrs. Potts in the Disney Animated film BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (where she sang the title song).

But, for me, she will always be erstwhile witch Miss Price in the Disney Mary Poppins knock-off BEDKNOBS AND BROOMSTICKS in 1971.

I was 10 years old when I saw that film at Radio City Music Hall in NYC (a story in and of itself) and I was mesmerized by the use of Special Effects, Music and the combination of live action and animation all grounded by the jubilantly off-centered performance by Ms. Lansbury (it was only later that I discovered that this was a watered-down Mary Poppins using many of the stars - and some of the songs cut - from that earlier classic).

So THANK YOU, Dame Angela, you provided much joy to many.

07/07/2022

05/26/2022

'Goodfellas' star Ray Liotta has passed away at the age of 67. Rest In Peace.

04/18/2022

I just watched HIGH SIERRA for the first time - the movie that made Humphrey Bogart an "A-Lister" - wow...it was terrific (as was Bogie in a role that was tailor-made for him).

Crazy that he was the 3rd choice for this role (and role that he lobbied for) - he only got it after both George Raft and James Cagney turned it down.

Ida Lupino and Henry Travers co-star with the great Raoul Walsh directing from a script by John Huston and W.R. Burnett (based on Burnett's novel of the same name) - highly recommend it!

04/18/2022

Check out the latest episode of the BankofMarquis Movies Podcast - RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK - available wherever you get your podcast (or click on the link below)...

A deep dive and reminiscence of the classic 1981 Action/Adventure flick RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK, Directed by Stephen Spiellberg and starring Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, Paul Freeman, John Rhys-Davies and Denholm Elliott with Sound Design by Ben Burtt and a Musical Score by the great John Williams.

03/26/2022

BankofMarquis OSCARS PICKS & PREDICTIONS

It is time, once again, for the BankofMarquis to rank the Oscar nominees in each of the “Major” categories with the #1 ranked nominee in each category being the nominee that the BankofMarquis would have voted for. As a bonus to you all - the BankofMarquis will also predict who WILL win the Oscar (most of the time it is NOT the nominee the BankofMarquis would have voted for).

Let’s start with BEST DIRECTOR

There is a clear frontrunner in this category…

5). Paul Thomas Anderson, LICORICE PIZZA - His 3rd nomination in this category for one of his weakest films.

4). Kenneth Branagh, BELFAST - Amazingly, he’s never won an Oscar - he won’t with this year, either.

3). Steven Spielberg, WEST SIDE STORY - In another year, he might win his 3rd Directing Oscar for this effort, but not this year

2). Jane Campion, THE POWER OF THE DOG - She WILL win the Oscar for Best Director this year, adding this Oscar to her Screenplay Oscar for 1993’s THE PIANO.

1). Rysuke Hamaguchi, DRIVE MY CAR - The choice by the BankofMarquis for Best Director will finish a distant 5th in the voting.

Now…onto…BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS…

The category that has the “surest thing”. Bet your house on this one…

5). Judi Dench, BELFAST - A fun performance, but not one that will give Dame Judi her 2nd Oscar.

4). Jessie Buckley, THE LOST DAUGHTER - A nice turn, hope it brings her more work…but not an Oscar.

3). Kirsten Dunst, THE POWER OF THE DOG - Underrated as an Actress, the BankofMarquis would be thrilled if she won for this role…but she won’t.

2). Aunjanue Ellis, KING RICHARD - The strongest performance in this film (sorry, Will Smith), she’ll fall just short.

1). Ariana DeBose, WEST SIDE STORY - The “surest bet” - and deserving - she SHOULD and WILL win the Oscar.

Onto…BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR…

The frontrunner for this category is in a film that I might have to revisit…

5). Ciaran Hinds, BELFAST - Good for this terrific actor for finally getting an Oscar nomination. He’ll have to be content with that.

4). Jesse Plemons, THE POWER OF A DOG - He should be a stronger contender but his character disappears from the film for a large part of the middle of the piece, so…no.

3). Troy Kotsur, CODA - He’s winning most of the pre-Oscars awards in this category, and I just don’t see this turn as that good (so might have to revisit the film). That said, with the momentum for him (and this film) rolling in his favor, the prediction is that Kotsur WILL WIN the Oscar.

2). J.K. Simmons, BEING THE RICARDOS - The best performance in this film, he would be getting stronger consideration if it were not for the fact that he won this award for 2014’s WHIPLASH

1). Kodi Smit-McPhee, THE POWER OF THE DOG - The choice of the BankofMarquis. This subtle, unique performance will lose to the momentum that is building around Troy Kotsur and CODA.

And now…BEST ACTRESS

One of the toughest categories to call with top-notch performances from top to bottom.

5). Nicole Kidman, BEING THE RICARDOS - A surprisingly good turn as the Queen of TV Comedy, she won in this category for THE HOURS in 2002, she will NOT add a 2nd Oscar to her mantel this year.

4). Penelope Cruz, PARALLEL MOTHERS - Another strong performance by Cruz in her native language. Unfortunately, not flashy enough to get more members of the Academy to watch a foreign language film and, besides, she won for Best Supporting Actress for 2009’s VICKY CHRISTINA BARCELONA, so she will be overlooked for this performance.

3). Olivia Colman, THE LOST DAUGHTER - Look out for this Academy darling to pull the upset in a complex, intriguing performance. If she does pull off the upset, it will be her 2nd Oscar - and well deserved.

2). Jessica Chastain, THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE - Momentum is in her favor and the Actress the BankofMarquis has declared as the “Best Actress to have Never won an Oscar” WILL, finally, win her first Oscar this year - and that is just fine.

1). Kristen Stewart, SPENCER - Stewart BECAME Diana in this melodrama. She is superb in a poorly written film. She would be the choice of the BankOfMarquis in this category - but she is going to lose to either Chastain (probably) or Colman (maybe).

As for Best Actor…

Unfortunately, 2 very deserving performances will lose out in this category to a “Lifetime Achievement Award” for one of the nominees

5). Javier Bardem, BEING THE RICARDOS - Not a performance, quite frankly, that should have been nominated. It’s a Supporting performance at best and not one that showcases Bardem’s talent.

4). Will Smith, KING RICHARD - He WILL win the Oscar for his one-note performance. His is well-liked and will win the Oscar, unfortunately, as a “Lifetime Achievement” award.

3). Denzel Washington, THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH - In another year, he would be a serious contender, but in 2022, this powerful portrayal of the title character in the “Scottish Play” will be just a footnote.

2). Andrew Garfield, TICK, TICK…BOOM! - The biggest surprise in the acting categories this year. It would be TERRIFIC if Garfield won, but he won’t.

1). Benedict Cumberbatch, THE POWER OF THE DOG - The “Best Actor working today who has Not won an Oscar”, should be rewarded for the dark, complex character he portrays - but, unfortunately, is going to lose to Smith.

And, finally…BEST PICTURE…

The toughest category to call…

10). NIGHTMARE ALLEY - The 2nd half of this misfire from Guillermo del Toro is a mess. It should not have even been nominated

9). KING RICHARD - Love for Will Smith has elevated this film to a level above what it actually deserves

8). BELFAST - Kenneth Branagh’s remembrance of his childhood during “the troubles” deserves the nomination - but not the win

7). LICORICE PIZZA - Paul Thomas Anderson’s remembrance of his childhood is well intentioned, but flawed

6). DUNE - Lavishly made, Denis Villeneuve’s epic is rewarded by the fact that it will win quite a few technical Oscars - and is going to get the 2nd half of this movie made

5). CODA - This film is gaining momentum and is elevating the conversation surrounding the Deaf Community and this is the film that WILL WIN the Oscar

4). WEST SIDE STORY - Spielberg finally made a musical - and it’s good - except for the 2 leads

3). DON’T LOOK UP - Adam McKay’s satire really hit home - but won’t garner enough votes to win

2). POWER OF THE DOG - Jane Campion will have to be content with the Best Director Oscar, but don’t be surprised if this wins Best Film.

1). DRIVE MY CAR - This 3 hour Japanese meditation on grief, loss and regret really struck home - but doesn’t have a prayer of winning, except it does get the coveted BEST PICTURE OF 2021 by the BankofMarquis

Enjoy the Oscars telecast this Sunday - and you can take these picks and predictions to the Bank(ofMarquis)

03/15/2022

A dee dive and reminiscence of the first film in the Phase 2 of the MCU, 2013'2 IRON MAN 3, starring Robert Downey, Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Jon Favreau, Rebecca Ferguson and Guy Pearce.