Collections Spotlight

October 8, 2021

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By: Kaysey A. Richardson

 

Here at the Museum of World Treasures we have 8700 artifacts! But, did you know that only 12% of our collection is on display to the public? Although we often rotate out our exhibits, there are still some objects that rarely receive a moment to shine.  This week, our Collections Spotlight for this week is a postcard with Groucho Marx’ signature.

Groucho Marx began his career alongside his four brothers, the Marx Brothers, as a popular American comedy group that took off in 1914 and peaked in the 1920s.  By the 1940s, Marx parted ways with his brothers to pursue a solo comedy career on radio shows and early television.  Marx described his distinct comedy as “the type of humor that made people laugh at themselves.”

Marx went on to star in many roles on Broadway, in films, and performed his comedy on radio and television shows.  In 1947, he became the host for a radio game show called You Bet Your Life, which focused on his quick wit rather than on contestants winning prizes. You Bet Your Life moved from radio to television in 1950, staying on air for eleven years, and winning Marx an Emmy.

After the end of You Bet Your Life, Marx took a hiatus from television, not returning until 1972 for a one-man show at Carnegie Hall.  By this point he was in his 80’s, but still managed to bring laughs to a large audience.  Two years later he was awarded an Academy Award for his stage and screen efforts.

Groucho Marx’ comedy had a lasting effect on the industry and comedians to follow.  Most notoriously, comedian Gilbert Gottfried impersonated an aged Groucho Marx in the 1980s on Saturday Night Live.  Not living long enough to see Saturday Night Live, it’s safe to say that if Groucho Marx was alive today- he would definitely approve!  To read about the history of Saturday Night Live click here.