In a small Japanese town, Ko-Ko is appointed to the unenviable position of executioner. Knowing he must successfully perform before the appearance of the Mikado in a month's time, Ko-Ko finds a suitable victim in Nanki-Poo, who is distraught over his unrequited love for the maiden Yum-Yum. Nanki-Poo agrees to sacrifice his life if he is allowed to spend his remaining days with Yum-Yum, who is betrothed to Ko-Ko. Part of 'The Bell Telephone Hour' on NBC.
Acting
Groucho's Ko-Ko: Marx Brothers energy meets Victorian operetta.
Production
Lavish NBC 'Bell Telephone Hour' staging on a TV budget.
Director
Norman Campbell
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This was Groucho Marx's only filmed performance in a Gilbert & Sullivan operetta, despite decades of stage experience with the material.
The 1960 production attempted to minimize yellowface criticism by casting actual Asian actors in ensemble roles—a rare concession for its era—though principals remained white.
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