Groucho Marx in THE MIKADO -- first time on DVD!

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Gilbert and Sullivan's THE MIKADO starring GROUCHO MARX
"There is Beauty in the Bellow of the Blast"
Performed by Groucho Marx and Helen Traubel
Bell Telephone Hour Orchestra
Donald Voorhees, cond.
Video Artists International (www.vaimusic.com)
DVD includes over 45 minutes of bonus features, including:
• Reminiscences of Groucho and The Mikado by Dick Cavett, Melinda Marx Leung,
Barbara Meister ("Yum-Yum") and other cast members.
• Martyn Green in Scenes from H.M.S. Pinafore (Bell Telephone Hour, 1963)
• Cast bios
• The commercials from the original 1960 telecast
complete cast:
Ko-Ko: Groucho Marx
Katisha: Helen Traubel
Pooh-Bah: Stanley Holloway
The Mikado: Dennis King
Nanki-Poo: Robert Rounseville
Yum-Yum: Barbara Meister
Peep-Bo: Melinda Marx
Pitti-Sing: Sharon Randall
Martyn Green, host / adaptation
Originally telecast April 29, 1960

[@frastephen]

Amazing to consider that Groucho was about 70 when he did this ... classic Groucho!

[@MUSICALLAN]

I know we're all thrilled to watch clips like this for free on youtube, but I hope some people will buy the actual DVD and support VAI so they can put out more treasures!

[@MrCuddlyable3]

The English Gilbert & Sullivan operettas are the seeds of the American filmed musical. I am filled with respect for the showman Groucho Marx who could enrichen the Victorian character of Ko-ko and so seamlessly with his own comedy talent.

[@alanmorgan1107]

I remember seeing this in 1960. It was a life long dream of Groucho to perform the part of KoKo. Anyone that has watched "You Bet Your Life" will either remember or notice his many side bars into the Mikado. FYI his daughter played one of the Little Maids. This was and remains the version I most relate to and enjoy.

[@tomlloyd7803]

The part of Ko-Ko has always been played by actors who are more comedians than fine opera singers. My favorite is Eric Idle in the mid-80s production. And many of them have invented their own rewrites of songs like "little list" etc. and most of them ad lib to a certain degree. I think Groucho is perfect as Ko-ko. I only wish he had gotten a chance to do it when he was a bit younger. Some original reviewer complained that his new york accent was wrong for G&S but since the characters are "supposed" to be Japanese, then by that logic, a British accent would also be wrong. Ya just can't please everyone! I'm ordering a DVD from VAI right now. I originally saw this when it was broadcast on TV when I was 10 years old and LOVED it immediately even though I hadn't much familiarity with G&S at that point.

[@wickedfeylady]

Groucho did not embarrass himself at all here. I'm happy to learn he was a G&S fan like me

[@MrSuperbatone]

Groucho's love of G & S was permanent. All the early (Paramount) Marx Brothers' movies - especially "Duck Soup" - were, in effect, ersatz updated Savoy Operas. This was no accident. There was always a serious comic contralto, a lovely soprano, a dashing leading man, and a comedic tenor, and a chorus, just as in Gilbert and Sullivan. And set pieces which were highly Savoy inspired. Just have a look at Groucho's song, "The Laws of My Administration" in "Duck Soup," or "Whatever it is I'm Against It" in "Horse Feathers," and you'll see what I mean.

[@rickpchris]

Totally agree.

[@OlafReuh]

Having been offered to sing the part of Ko-Ko next April, I'm discovering right now this piece. And after having seen this video as well as the "little list song" I agree that all this made me effectively think of Groucho's songs in his various movies especially "The laws of my administration". I was wondering even wondering whether the Mkado had not been written by Groucho himself, Gilbert and Sullivan being his aliases (I know it's not, no need to correct me).

[@soulierinvestments]

Marx was one of the most well-read figures in Hollywood at that time: a constant reader whose idea of a good evening was curling up at home with a book. Traubel had wide interests in music; Rudolph Bing supposedly fired her from the Metropolitan Opera for aspiring to television variety and nightclub acts. This production was a huge hit of 1960 TV. NBC broadcast it in color originally; apparently the color videotape record is for one reason or another not available.

[@dexxy84]

“Outside of a dog a book is man’s best friend. Inside of a dog it’s too dark to read.”

[@heidilynnbk]

I gave this to my husband for Christmas yesterday. We watched it today. What a great DVD. It is a must purchase!

[@grayforester]

I was in NYC for just an afternoon and I scurried into the Museum of Radio & TV specifically to see the Bell Telephone Hour condensed Mikado starring the biggest G&S fan I ever heard of.

[@jasonbeard4713]

Excellent clip, great performances; delightful!!

[@TheJPCatholic]

Several reviews of the day were unkind to Groucho, but I think it’s important to note that if you watch any Marx Bros picture and listen to the songs (many by Rubin Garby,), you can see the influence of G&S. If you’re expecting Groucho to deliver lines in the traditional way, don’t watch this rendition, but if you want to see a performer embody the spirit of WS Gilbert’s work, then Groucho is your man.

[@filkertom]

This never gets old.

[@armchairco]

The role of Ko-ko was perfect for Groucho.

[@Rodin99]

I remember watching this with my family.

[@franklinschroeter3753]

Those of us fortunate enough to receive Classic Arts Showcase, the 24/7 TV smorgasbord of "Art" recently were rewarded with this Mikado clip which few commenters noted also featured the great opera diva, Helen Traubel, as Katisha opposite Groucho's Ko-Ko.

[@dabunnyman9133]

Just imagine Groucho singing "I Am The Very Model Of A Modern Major General."

[@bellylaughing]

After watching this last year I did exactly that! I bought the DVD and love watching it (along with other more traditional Gilbert and Sullivan DVD's).

[@micheal49]

OMG! I remember watching this when I was a wee tadpole! Thank you so much for posting this.

[@AventuraLuver]

groucho was limber at 70

[@begs54]

It is well known that Marx loved Gilbert & Sullivan, and hopped at the chance to be directed by the great Marytn Green.. I suspect Green had his hands full with Marx. Green being the principle comedian of the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company for 25 yrs +. I have seen this production, and I must say, Marx played Ko- Ko the it should be played. He had a lot of respect for G&S, but not a lot for anything else...LOL

[@Bonapartist07]

At about :45: Is that a bit of the "Duck Soup" Charleston? (meant in a nice way).

[@nhmooytis7058]

Saw this on TV in 1960-age 8, my mom bought me the album!

[@nancyking]

I saw this clip for the first time on the University of Kentucky channel, where they would show clips of musicals, movies, and old TV shows, but the cable company took it away some time ago. I'd like to see this in its entirety.

[@dildonius]

Well, I mean it's literally on DVD and the description of this video literally has a link to a website where it's available for purchase, so you can just...y'know...BUY it?

[@zzzut]

Groucho as Koko? Now, here’s a how-de-do!

[@NoahSpurrier]

I love this. Also listen to his version of “as someday it may happen.”

[@jkhalsa]

Bully for youtube.... you can put long comments. Here is the libretto for the song. As well as Groucho and his partner sing, Gilbert's lyrics are so intelligent and arcane sometimes that you can't understand them all at first hearing.

[@joan100483]

I have always wanted to see this!!!

[@alkoolblue]

Awesome!

[@johnperrry215]

Fabulous!

[@trinitymplayers]

I can still recall the reaction of one of my English Drama teachers at Brock University when I first told him about this version of THE MIKADO..."Groucho Marx?! Singing "The Little List:" and "Titwillow"?!...Bizarre!"

[@MsPrescient]

Love this!

[@stepheneinbinder2604]

Interesting how in this one we actually see Ko-Ko and Katisha get married right after they sing Derry Down Derry.

[@winifredtrout1]

Absolutely hilarious

[@Brennna]

I love Groucho... still. :)

[@comedyshorts2]

I remember seeing this in color when it first aired

[@mwatzl]

I love the role...but I am a bit disapointed in what seemed to be less rehearsal than needed on Groucho's KoKo.

[@andrewmargrave7518]

Traubel was a real singer. Groucho wasn't, although he doesn't suffer too badly by comparison with Traubel despite being off-the note frequently and not having much of a singing voice to begin with. Traubel is magnificent, endowed with a first-line vocal equipment. She makes us realize what a jerk Rudolf Bing was for kicking her out of the Met.

[@donaldlevine1420]

Helen Traubel, a dramatic Wagnerian soprano, was one of the greatest voices ever produced in the United States and one of the great opera singers of the 20th Century. She was 61 here.

[@Edwin48100]

I have it on a Columbia 33 rpm record.

[@ericalexander5172]

+Edwin Harvey just got it yesterday at amoeba for a dollar!

[@armchairco]

Will do.

[@wordforger]

...Alright. Now I really want to know who was on HIS little list...

[@reginabillotti]

Exactly. If there's anything disappointing about this clip, it's that. I wonder when it started becoming the standard for every production to have its own "little list"

[@afueraesnoche]

jajajaj excelente

[@Poochpatrol]

Zodiac loved this

[@John-wg1jh]

Good Lord.

[@mkl62]

April 29, 1960.

[@grig035]

Interesting. My first exposure to this was only an audio dub, and I was expecting the world of Groucho. Well, on the audio tape, I was disappointed at how ... approximate he sounded. I was expecting him to be far more comfortable than Traubel, whom I had only heard, and admired, in Wagner. Surprisingly, Traubel, on the audio tape, comes off as much more authoritative and confident than Groucho. In fact, she is tremendously effective with crackling diction and magnificent rhythmic elan. In brief, Traubel comes off much better. But actually viewing it here, the effect is reversed. Here, one is all too aware of how hemmed in Traubel apparently felt. She certainly does seem to have her eyes constantly on the cue cards, but there is also little suggestion of any kind of real performance. It's more like a rehearsal reading when seen. Disappointing. Groucho's impact still suggests something somewhat approximate. But there is actually a "through-line" of sorts here in the way he moves from verse to verse that conveys much more authority than Traubel -- and more authority than he ever conveys when just heard on the audio tape.

[@martind349]

grig035 piff

[@dennysanders1633]

This was shot on color tape in 1960. A shame they don't have it in that format, but enjoyable nevertheless. Groucho was 70 at that time, by the way.

[@donaldlevine1420]

And Traubel was 61.

[@Fontleroy]

Still better than the live singing in the Les Mis 2012 film

[@martind349]

Groucho Marx: Less is more The Charleston: More Charleston

[@jansumi]

omg

[@Bozlee22]

At this point Groucho didn't have to prove anything. I don't like this but he was a genius. His one liners are still at top of the game.

[@GariGold]

Hilarious.

[@bellylaughing]

Oh yes! Groucho is terrible so he is perfect for this part!

[@ignaciomoreno9655]

I don't know. It is a little off for me.

[@pippasghost]

Imagine if only Margaret Dumont had played Katisha. It just doesn't seem right watching Groucho flirt with a different ugly old woman.

[@chriscarnicelli7714]

G&S are rolling in their collective graves!

[@MrCuddlyable3]

DECAYED not decade (rolls eyes). I hope you realize that G&S presented "The Mikado" 5 years before Groucho Marx was born. Also, learn to spell YOU'RE. You can go now.

[@zombywoof1072]

Well intentioned I guess, but this is horrible.

[@dogsbody49]

Terrible!