“The Incredible Jewel Robbery”: The Marx Bros. Last Public Appearance as a Team

The Incredible Jewel Robbery is one in a series of famous Marx Brothers “lasts”. In this case, it is the last appearance of the brothers together as a team in a show of any kind that was completed and released to the public (in this case, a television show, as opposed to a film). The Incredible Jewel Robbery aired on in March 1959. Only Harpo and Chico are billed; Groucho couldn’t be advertised for legal reasons. One interesting aspect of the show is that it brings them full circle to the silent days of Humor Risk. Apart from a single quip from Groucho, the entire show is without dialogue (great for Harpo, not so great for Chico).

This show is nobody’s finest hour. The gags are both sparse and weak (despite the laugh-track’s apparent delight). And the story consists of nothing except Chico and Harpo rob things and get caught. But The Incredible Jewel Robbery does contain one unexpected treat in addition to Groucho’s cameo. The manager of the store that gets robbed by Chico and Harpo is played by vaudeville vet Benny Rubin!

For more on the Marx Brothers, please readThe Marx Brothers Miscellany: A Subjective Appreciation of the World’s Greatest Comedy Team — and come see us atMarxfest, May 17-26, 2024!