Julius "Groucho" Marx got his start in vaudeville, performing songs with his brothers. The act was unsuccessful, but eventually morphed into the comedy act that would eventually bring them worldwide fame. Groucho's first film in Hollywood was Humor Risk, a 1921 film that was believed to only be shown once. It would take eight years to get back on the big screen with The Cocoanuts. The film was an instant smash, mostly because Groucho and his brothers had already honed their act for years on the vaudeville circuit.
Groucho's last film would be an ignominious end to what had been an amazing career. He had been talked into coming out of semi-retirement by famed film director Otto Preminger to star in a 'today' picture that was meant to appeal to the 'way out' youth of the time. It was an embarrassing film for all involved. His final public appearance would be at 1974's Academy Awards. He would pass away in 1977.
