Marx Brothers Mini-Golf Madness

We’re on a movie studio back lot on a sunny California autumn afternoon. It’s the 20s. Or the 30s. Or maybe the early 40s. It’s Paramount, MGM, or United Artists. Maybe, just maybe, it’s RKO.

There’s a lull in production. What to do?

There’s always miniature golf! On a studio back lot? Yes. As the Studio Heads are soon to learn, letting the Marx Brothers wander around at loose ends can be dangerous. Harpo has gathered as many silly props as he could find and, with the help of Chico and assisted by the sly comments of Groucho, he has built a miniature golf course for the cast and crew of their latest film.

They’re hoping everyone enjoys it but, there is one person who they especially want to please: Margaret Dumont.

Sometimes referred to as the “Fifth Marx Brother” (works when you count Zeppo), Dumont’s aristocratic grande dame demeanor was the perfect foil to the absolute madness and, well, frankly surreal activity whirling around her! Join us for an afternoon that is, in a way, a love letter to Margaret Dumont.

We invite everyone to come and play a round of mini golf with us.
· Any of the zany Marx Brothers
  (including behind-the-scenes businessman Gummo)
· Cast and crew from any Marx Brothers film
· Cast and crew from other Hollywood movies, 1925-1945
· Kids (Harpo genuinely loved kids)

We’d love to see many, many Margaret Dumont’s playing miniature golf. One Margaret Dumont is not enough for this afternoon of Marx Brothers Madness. Will Margaret wear fox and pearls? Of course! Or diamonds and satin? Why not!

We’re appropriating the miniature golf course at the McInnis Park Golf Center in San Rafael, CA. An added bonus is the presence of a genuine Club House near the miniature golf course – a true 19th Hole for those that want to linger and discuss the day’s events. Everyone pays for their own beverages and food in the Club House.

There’s also a shaded picnic area and snack bar at the entrance to the course, for those who would prefer to sit and watch the silliness unfold.

Will Harpo swipe someone’s club and stuff it in a bush? Maybe.
Will Groucho attempt to lure pretty ladies behind that bush? Very likely!
Will Chico become confused and play the course backwards? Most probably! Will you be there? We hope so!

Costume: Costumes are required for this event. The suggested costume era is 1925 - 1945 sportswear or informal afternoon dress. Marx Brothers characters and Hollywood denizens (of any class) are encouraged but, definitely not required. GBACG Costume Guideline

Children: This is a child-friendly event. Costumes are required for children, although just as for adults they do not have to be authentic reproductions!

Location: McInnis Park Golf Center, 350 Smith Ranch Road, San Rafael, CA 94903
From 101, either direction, take the Lucas Valley/Smith Ranch Road exit. Follow the signs to Smith Ranch Road (heading East). The road ends in the McInnis Park parking lot..

Practicalities: The course is laid out on a hillside. Some of the paved paths go up and down at noticeable grades.
Optional lunch in the Club House after the Game.

The deadline to purchase tickets was Wednesday, October 15th, 2008.

Questions? Email Event Coordinator, Lisa VandenBerghe at .

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