.
Statistics show that there are now more compilation DVDs called things like "The Best of the Marx Brothers", containing adverts for Creamy Prom, that weird unedited You Bet Your Life pilot where Groucho's got an open-necked shirt on and a crappy documentary with all the clips taken from public domain trailers, than there are people alive on the planet.
With a bit of ingenuity, you can even track down a rough assembly of Deputy Seraph.
But Jewel Robbery, which according to some sources isn't even all that bad, and is of enomrous, not to say enormous importance as the last starring vehicle featuring all three non-Zeppo or that other one Marx Brothers in the same place, at the same time, doing more or less the same thing and looking in roughly the same direction, remains trapped in the archives, probably in a big rusty tin labelled 'Absolutely No Value To Anyone'.
How wrong can you be?
The closest I've come to seeing it is this eight minute condensation issued as a home movie, unfortunately robbed not only of about two thirds of its length but also the original soundtrack where Groucho speaks at the end.
.
.
Come on, copyright holders, give us a proper release for this thing. Don't put any extras on it if you don't want to and charge us twenty quid.
We're idiots.
We will buy it.
17 comments:
I concur. Although I've seen the odd bootleg quality disk floating about, a nice double bill of this and what was shot for The Deputy Seraph would be most appreciated.
Yes. And The Story of Mankind is another. Of course, it looks rubbish. But it looks like fun. And important for all sorts of reasons.
Matt - I was one who wrote to Universal alerting them that they had a golden opportunity to include "Incredible Jewel Robbery," "Deputy Seraph" and the "I'll Say She Is" segment from the feature "The House that Shadows Built" on their DVD collection of Marx Brothers classics, but alas that suggestion fell upon deaf ears. If any Walter Lantz cartoons exist where the brothers are caricatured, that would have been a fine extra, too. Oh well... perhaps one day someone will put out a DVD with these 3 rare pieces of Marx footage...
Exactly - I really don't understand why they can't be bothered because they really would sell. Hardly a week goes by without the release of some new compilation of the same old multi-generation public domain stuff, so there must be a market for them.
I'd also like to see all of Harpo in Silent Panic, and all of that Hollywood Palace Show with Groucho, and Chico as a guest.
Incidentally, I'm assuming that the only reason I've never seen footage of any of them on This Is Your Life is that none of them was ever featured on This Is Your Life.
Does anyone know why?
The Story of Mankind is now available from Warner's on demand service in Region 1 land.
Oooh, is it really? I hear the sound of my wallet emptying...
SPECTACULAR FREE MARX BROTHERS MASTER CLASS w/Piano Giant Dave Frank! Join renowned jazz pianist/educator Dave Frank for a hilarious look into the musical world of Chico and Harpo Marx. HUGELY fun, entertaining, and educational, this one-of-a-kind class analyzes the unique piano styles of Chico and Harpo via video clips from their classic movies. A MUST for Marx Bros. fans!
To view class, type in Dave Frank Marx Brothers on youtube.
EVEN BETTER MARX BROTHERS MASTERCLASS
Learn to play the saxophone like Zeppo!
Analyse his unique style via that ten second clip of him jamming in Monkey Business, then create your own versions! A MUST for people who want to play the saxophone like Zeppo!
For more information, visit your local supermarket, slip a fiver to the man at the door and ask for "Big Mike".
I agree. It's one of the few I am missing. I have Harpo on I love Lucy. I have "Time for Elizabeth" written by and starring Groucho Marx.I have Chico Marx in "Papa Romani". I have Harpo Marx in "A silent panic". All I need is "The great jewel robbery" for completion. Please, please, please
I've only seen bits of Silent Panic and am most envious of your Time For Elizabeth!
Thanks for your comments and I enjoyed looking at your blog, which reminded me of the landscape of my own dear Dartmoor.
You will always be a little better than me, Matthew. I had never seen this one before! And I agree - we WOULD buy it.
(Am I the only one who thinks Harpo actually looks really cool with a cigarette in his mouth?)
Welcome back, Lolita! You've acquired a Kane. How are you finding the married life? It's a good laugh, isn't it...
Harpo looks great with a cig; you're right. Very noir.
What will I always be a little better than you at? Apart from the obvious things: tap dancing in the dark, underwater bricklaying, not being Swedish...
Here's the ending:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTM6HBuK3Bk
Thanks!
The whole episode is on YouTube now. I managed to get it on DVD so I uploaded it. You should be able to find it on YouTube ok
Yes, I was sent the link to it and posted it here a little while ago.
It was you that uploaded it?
Well thanks!
Do keep coming and commenting!
I could put these on a DVD for circulation if there was a call for it.
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