Moving On!
Munroe! (1963)
Despite his problems on The Joey Bishop Show, Marks continued to work on other sitcoms and Variety shows, even during the turmoil. On April 29, of that year of 1962, he again appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show (Season 14, #33). Ed's guests also included Johnny Mathis, The McGuire Sisters, Jackie Mason, and Rip Taylor.
Marks departed from the Bishop show and went to work on a pilot for a new comedy series in 1963, called Munroe. The unaired pilot told the story of a lovable army K-9 Corp mutt who tangles with a cat and a lion loose on an army base. Marks plays a private named Gitchy, who is given the wrong lion by a befuddled lion-tamer (played by Sig Ruman) to scare Munroe into not chasing anymore cats. All that remains of this unsold pilot is some short scenes and a behind-the-scenes segment at the end to impress a potential sponsor into buying the series.
Marks departed from the Bishop show and went to work on a pilot for a new comedy series in 1963, called Munroe. The unaired pilot told the story of a lovable army K-9 Corp mutt who tangles with a cat and a lion loose on an army base. Marks plays a private named Gitchy, who is given the wrong lion by a befuddled lion-tamer (played by Sig Ruman) to scare Munroe into not chasing anymore cats. All that remains of this unsold pilot is some short scenes and a behind-the-scenes segment at the end to impress a potential sponsor into buying the series.
Despite the failure of Munroe to find a home on TV, Mark's character of Gitchy did show up again in the form of Geechy on another sitcom of the time called, McKeever & The Colonel. In a 1963 episode titled "McKeever Meets Munroe", Marks and some of his former co-stars from the unaired pilot appear.
Marks also continued to appear on the nightclub circuit as well during this post Bishop show time.
Dorothy Kilgallen - Daytona Beach Morning Journal - March 4, 1963
If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, Tony Bennett can consider himself one of the most flattered fellows in show business. The number of headliners currently doing a takeoff on Tony as a regular part of their acts in nightclubs and on TV include Steve Lawrence, Guy Marks, Mel Brooks and Allen & Rossi, and --best of all -- Sammy Davis, Jr. who has been doing a riotous imitation of Tony for many years, keeping it fresh by using the singer's newest record hit as the platters roll out. ----
St. Petersburg Times - April 25, 1963
The teen-age shriekers and squealers are turning out en masse (with their parents) for Paul Anka (and Guy Marks) at the Copa (NY). ----
Marks also continued to appear on the nightclub circuit as well during this post Bishop show time.
Dorothy Kilgallen - Daytona Beach Morning Journal - March 4, 1963
If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, Tony Bennett can consider himself one of the most flattered fellows in show business. The number of headliners currently doing a takeoff on Tony as a regular part of their acts in nightclubs and on TV include Steve Lawrence, Guy Marks, Mel Brooks and Allen & Rossi, and --best of all -- Sammy Davis, Jr. who has been doing a riotous imitation of Tony for many years, keeping it fresh by using the singer's newest record hit as the platters roll out. ----
St. Petersburg Times - April 25, 1963
The teen-age shriekers and squealers are turning out en masse (with their parents) for Paul Anka (and Guy Marks) at the Copa (NY). ----
Dick Van Dyke
In May of 1963, Guy Marks appeared on the highly popular Dick Van Dyke Show. In an episode called "Jilting The Jilter", Marks plays a deadbeat comedian, named Freddy White. In the show, White owes both Rob and Buddy back pay for material they wrote for him in the past. And when Sally (played by Rose Marie) falls for and plans to marry Freddy, Rob and Buddy scheme to show Sally, that Freddy is only looking for free material and not true love. The episode aired on May 1st, 1963 during the show's second season. Marks has a full segment where he does his act for the rest of the cast and finishes with his impression of a ostrich!
The following month it was back to The Ed Sullivan Show on June 9, 1963 (Season 15, #36)
This time Barbra Streisand, Stiller & Meara, The McGuire Sisters, appearing along with Marks who sings "Loving You Has Made Me Bananas" for the first time on TV.
In January of 1964, Marks appeared as Frank, a bartender at the Copacabana nightclub on The Danny Thomas Show. Frank want's Danny to be his celebrity partner when he goes on a TV quiz show. The episode, called "The Quiz Show" aired on January 27th during the 11th season of the show.
Later that spring Marks would make an appearance on The Hollywood Palace variety show, hosted by Fred MacMurray and also featuring George Gobel, Dorothy Collins, Trini Lopez, and Augie & Margo. It aired on May 16, 1964 (Season 1 #20) and Marks performed his famous "How The West Was REALLY Won?" routine, showing off dead-on impressions of Humphrey Bogart, Gary Cooper,Robert Mitchum and an Indian who he would later call Pink Cloud. Marks would perform this same routine on other shows over the years, changing it up a bit.
The following month it was back to The Ed Sullivan Show on June 9, 1963 (Season 15, #36)
This time Barbra Streisand, Stiller & Meara, The McGuire Sisters, appearing along with Marks who sings "Loving You Has Made Me Bananas" for the first time on TV.
In January of 1964, Marks appeared as Frank, a bartender at the Copacabana nightclub on The Danny Thomas Show. Frank want's Danny to be his celebrity partner when he goes on a TV quiz show. The episode, called "The Quiz Show" aired on January 27th during the 11th season of the show.
Later that spring Marks would make an appearance on The Hollywood Palace variety show, hosted by Fred MacMurray and also featuring George Gobel, Dorothy Collins, Trini Lopez, and Augie & Margo. It aired on May 16, 1964 (Season 1 #20) and Marks performed his famous "How The West Was REALLY Won?" routine, showing off dead-on impressions of Humphrey Bogart, Gary Cooper,Robert Mitchum and an Indian who he would later call Pink Cloud. Marks would perform this same routine on other shows over the years, changing it up a bit.
My Living Doll was a comedy sci-fi series that aired for 26 episodes on CBS-TV from September 1964 thru March of 1965. On one episode called "Pool Shark" that aired January 6, 1965, Marks played a character called Knuckles Kelly. The star of the show, Robert Cummings as a psychologist who cares for his android wife, played by Julie Newmar. In this episode, Newmar must beat a pool shark to reclaim a gambling debt for Cummings. The episode is available on DVD as part of the first volume of 11 episodes of the series.
Marks first worked with Dean Martin on The Kraft Music Hall (Series 6, Show #3) on January 7, 1965. The show was hosted by Perry Como, and also featured Carol Lawrence.
Science fiction was very popular on TV in the 1960s, so it's only fitting that Marks next appearance was in another popular sci-fi program called, My Favorite Martian. Marks in an episode called, "The Martian's Fair Hobo", plays Shorty Smith, a hobo who Uncle Martin (Ray Walson) mistakes as a fellow martian and brings him home. When Shorty gets too comfortable living with Martin and Tim (Bill Bixby), they struggle to find a way to get rid of him. in one scene, Marks gets to imitate the sounds of frogs, bird calls, ships, and his flamingo. The episode aired on May 23, 1965 during the show's second season.
Marks first worked with Dean Martin on The Kraft Music Hall (Series 6, Show #3) on January 7, 1965. The show was hosted by Perry Como, and also featured Carol Lawrence.
Science fiction was very popular on TV in the 1960s, so it's only fitting that Marks next appearance was in another popular sci-fi program called, My Favorite Martian. Marks in an episode called, "The Martian's Fair Hobo", plays Shorty Smith, a hobo who Uncle Martin (Ray Walson) mistakes as a fellow martian and brings him home. When Shorty gets too comfortable living with Martin and Tim (Bill Bixby), they struggle to find a way to get rid of him. in one scene, Marks gets to imitate the sounds of frogs, bird calls, ships, and his flamingo. The episode aired on May 23, 1965 during the show's second season.
John Forsythe
1965 marked the start of another try at a regular starring role on a TV sitcom for Guy Marks, when he was cast as a second banana to the the star of The John Forsythe Show. Like the Bishop show before it, the Forsythe show would be marred with similar problems that would lead to drastic, unexplained changes in mid season.
In the fall of 1965 the show began on NBC-TV as a situation comedy. Forsythe played a former Air Force vet, Major John Foster, who inherits a foster school for girls. The cast included Elsa Lanchester as the school's principle, Margaret Culver, and future Brady Bunch Star, Ann B. Davis as Miss Wilson, a gym coach. Marks played second banana to Forsythe as his aide and former sergeant, Ed Robbins.
Then a few months later in February of 1966, in an episode entitled, "Funny, You Don't Look Like A Spy!", the entire cast disappears, except for the show's star and Marks. This not-so-subtle change was talked about in the press.
Kentucky New Era - March 21, 1966 - Forsythe Change Is Feeble Effort
By Cynthia Lowry New York (AP)
If you haven't been following "The John Forsythe Show" lately -- and the most recent Nielsen ratings suggest that most of you have not - it may come as a surprise to learn that debonaire Major Foster and his devoted sergeant have run away from that girls school the major inherited to seek adventure and laughs in the funny old cold war.
The two merry Air Force men, called back to the colors were in London as of Monday night, on the verge of test-flying a super-secret plane. They were beset, not only be a dopey double for Sergeant Robbins who kept saying "nyet" and calling people "comrade," but by a second double who squinted like Charlie Chan and had trouble with his L's as in "rots of ruck." The sudden shift of locale from a giggly girls school to judo chops in hotel corridors was accomplished without so much as a farewell to headmistress Elsa Lanchester and gym teacher Ann B. Davis. But that old laugh track followed them clear across the ocean.
It was a last ditch effort to salvage a comedy series that never has achieved good health, but Monday night's episode, with inept secret agents tumbling over each other like characters out of "Seven Keys to Baldpate" was embarrassingly feeble. The repairs have had little effect and the show will not be back next season. John Forsythe and his costar, Guy Marks deserve better material. ----
The show ran for a total of 29 shows and was rarely seen in reruns and only a few poor quality epsiodes can be seen on YouTube.
In the fall of 1965 the show began on NBC-TV as a situation comedy. Forsythe played a former Air Force vet, Major John Foster, who inherits a foster school for girls. The cast included Elsa Lanchester as the school's principle, Margaret Culver, and future Brady Bunch Star, Ann B. Davis as Miss Wilson, a gym coach. Marks played second banana to Forsythe as his aide and former sergeant, Ed Robbins.
Then a few months later in February of 1966, in an episode entitled, "Funny, You Don't Look Like A Spy!", the entire cast disappears, except for the show's star and Marks. This not-so-subtle change was talked about in the press.
Kentucky New Era - March 21, 1966 - Forsythe Change Is Feeble Effort
By Cynthia Lowry New York (AP)
If you haven't been following "The John Forsythe Show" lately -- and the most recent Nielsen ratings suggest that most of you have not - it may come as a surprise to learn that debonaire Major Foster and his devoted sergeant have run away from that girls school the major inherited to seek adventure and laughs in the funny old cold war.
The two merry Air Force men, called back to the colors were in London as of Monday night, on the verge of test-flying a super-secret plane. They were beset, not only be a dopey double for Sergeant Robbins who kept saying "nyet" and calling people "comrade," but by a second double who squinted like Charlie Chan and had trouble with his L's as in "rots of ruck." The sudden shift of locale from a giggly girls school to judo chops in hotel corridors was accomplished without so much as a farewell to headmistress Elsa Lanchester and gym teacher Ann B. Davis. But that old laugh track followed them clear across the ocean.
It was a last ditch effort to salvage a comedy series that never has achieved good health, but Monday night's episode, with inept secret agents tumbling over each other like characters out of "Seven Keys to Baldpate" was embarrassingly feeble. The repairs have had little effect and the show will not be back next season. John Forsythe and his costar, Guy Marks deserve better material. ----
The show ran for a total of 29 shows and was rarely seen in reruns and only a few poor quality epsiodes can be seen on YouTube.
Even while the Marks was working steadily on the Forsythe show, he continued his career on TV variety shows. He was back on
The Ed Sullivan Show on October 17, 1965 (Season 18 #6) The popular groups Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs as well as The Animals, performed. As did The McGuire Sisters, Pat Boone, and comedienne, Totie Fields. Sid Caesar and Joyce Jameson did an operetta sketch. Then Guy followed up demonstrates different operactic styles.
Then in December of 1965, Marks would make his first appearance on The Dean Martin Show, beginning a life long working relationship with the fellow Italian singer! Within two months time, Marks would appear twice on Dean's Show . The first one aired Thursday, December 2, 1965. Dino's guests included Tony Bennett, Barbara McNair, Nanette Fabray and Marks.
Then a month later Marks was back on The Dean Martin Show on January 6, 1966 (Season 1 #15)
Peggy Lee, Frankie Avalon, Rose Marie, Allan Sherman all appeared. Marks with Dean and Sherman did a routine called "Good Advice".
The Ed Sullivan Show on October 17, 1965 (Season 18 #6) The popular groups Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs as well as The Animals, performed. As did The McGuire Sisters, Pat Boone, and comedienne, Totie Fields. Sid Caesar and Joyce Jameson did an operetta sketch. Then Guy followed up demonstrates different operactic styles.
Then in December of 1965, Marks would make his first appearance on The Dean Martin Show, beginning a life long working relationship with the fellow Italian singer! Within two months time, Marks would appear twice on Dean's Show . The first one aired Thursday, December 2, 1965. Dino's guests included Tony Bennett, Barbara McNair, Nanette Fabray and Marks.
Then a month later Marks was back on The Dean Martin Show on January 6, 1966 (Season 1 #15)
Peggy Lee, Frankie Avalon, Rose Marie, Allan Sherman all appeared. Marks with Dean and Sherman did a routine called "Good Advice".
One month later Marks was back on The Dean Marin Show on February 17, 1966. Along with Dean's other guests: Eddie Albert, Phyllis Diller, Mahalia Jackson, and Julie London.
Later in springtime Marks returned to The Dean Martin Show on May 5, 1966 (Season 1 #30). Marks did a hilarious comical rendition of "Granada," followed by a monologue about acting lessons and imitations of a piece of driftwood, a neon sign and a fly. Bill Cosby, was on hand as well, as was Liberace, and Dorothy Loudon. Dean sang "Everybody Loves Somebody" marking the first time in the series run that he sang the full version.
He made his first appearance on the The Mike Douglas Show that summer on July 14, 1966 (Season 4 #219)
Mike's Co-hosts was Jordon Christopher, with Guests: singer Jody Miller.
In January of 1967, Marks appeared on Dick Clark's popular American Bandstand with fellow guests are Tim Conway, Norman Alden, Neil Diamond, and the Electric Prunes. His appearance with Conway was not by chance, but planned to coincide with the debut of their new show, and Mark's third attempt at a weekly series.
In December of 1967, Guy was back on The Dean Martin Show on December 14th, along with Bob Newhart, Dom DeLuise and Caterina Valente.
Later in springtime Marks returned to The Dean Martin Show on May 5, 1966 (Season 1 #30). Marks did a hilarious comical rendition of "Granada," followed by a monologue about acting lessons and imitations of a piece of driftwood, a neon sign and a fly. Bill Cosby, was on hand as well, as was Liberace, and Dorothy Loudon. Dean sang "Everybody Loves Somebody" marking the first time in the series run that he sang the full version.
He made his first appearance on the The Mike Douglas Show that summer on July 14, 1966 (Season 4 #219)
Mike's Co-hosts was Jordon Christopher, with Guests: singer Jody Miller.
In January of 1967, Marks appeared on Dick Clark's popular American Bandstand with fellow guests are Tim Conway, Norman Alden, Neil Diamond, and the Electric Prunes. His appearance with Conway was not by chance, but planned to coincide with the debut of their new show, and Mark's third attempt at a weekly series.
In December of 1967, Guy was back on The Dean Martin Show on December 14th, along with Bob Newhart, Dom DeLuise and Caterina Valente.
Rango!
Rango was a short-lived 1967 situation comedy series starring Tim Conway in the title role. Rango was an inept Texas Ranger in charge of the sleepy town of, Deep Wells. Once again, Marks was called upon to be second banana to the star of a sitcom, as the Native American Indian, Pink Cloud.
Marks' Pink Cloud was fond of "whites" and had a better command of the English language they his non-native counterparts. In one line, Pink Cloud said.."Rango say him return when sun high over teepee. By that, I presume he meant that he would be back by noon." Marks would use the name Pink Cloud, from this point on in his "How The West Was REALLY Won?" routine!
The ABC-TV series only lasted 17 episodes, and like The Joey Bishop Show, never made it in rerun syndication. Although, they share the same name and similar themes, the 2011 film Rango, is not a remake of the series.
Despite the failure of Rango to find an audience, ABC-TV continued to promote the show and it's second banana.
Hero Gallops Onto TV in Rib Tickler - Milwaukee Journal Jan 14, 1967
By Wade H. Mosby
The premiere episode of "Rango," a new series that galloped onto the ABC-TV network Friday night, was smartly executed and at times excruciatingly funny. It was seen in Milwaukee on WITI-TV, channel 6. The hero of the new half hour is Tim Conway as a completely inept Texas ranger with apparently just one name, Rango. Tough? He's 170 pounds of flab. Smart? Rango's captain is afraid to let him out of the supply room. Lucky? That he is.
If future episodes hold up as well as the first, you can expect the well meaning Rango to shoot only his friends, deduce only the wrong solutions, drive Texas to despair and raise hob with the Friday night Nielsen. Conway played a similar role as the bumbling Ensign Parker, second banana in "McHale's Navy." But in "Rango" the stage is all his, and with the assistance of Guy Marks as Pink Cloud, a chicken Indian who can't remember how to send Indian signals, Conway appears to have a rousing comedy hit all his own. ----
While working on Rango, Marks took time out to appear again with buddy Dean Martin on his show on March 9, 1967. Marks sang "Loving You Has Made Me Bananas", while Dean welcomed other guests including: Sid Caesar, Peggy Lee and Arthur Godfrey.
By the time the following April, 1967 article would hit the papers, Rango would only have two shows left to air. But it still offers some unique insights into Marks' life at the time.
Guy Marks Real Comedian - Beaver County Times - April 25, 1967
By Vernon Scott HOLLYWOOD (UP)
Comedian Guy Marks, who plays Indian Pink Cloud in "Rango," jumped into a taxi recently in full redskin regalia and ordered the driver to take him to St. Joseph's Hospital. Hollywood cab drivers, accustomed to weird fares, deposited Marks at the hospital. The cabby accepted the money from the Indian's pouch without lifting an eyebrow.
It was different at the admittance desk of St. Joseph's. Marks gave his name as Pink Cloud and asked for a room. They gave him a wheel chair instead, and for a moment they might have considered a straitjacket. Instead they put him in a room and the comedian slept for 15 straight hours. "They didn't think I was an Indian," Marks explains, "but they were pretty sure they had a real nut on their hands."
Marks had been unable to sleep more than two or three hours a night and the hospitalization was his way of catching up. Two days later he was back at work in the ABC-TV series. He and his wife, Kathi, have been married for four years and live in a 26-year old home in the San Fernando Valley. They are childless, although the comic has a daughter from a previous marriage.
Avid Horse Player
The home is modest, two bedrooms and a den filled with pictures and memorabilia of race tracks, horse and jockeys. Marks has been a horse player for more years and more money than he cares to remember. When West Coast tracks are open Guy is in the crowd at the Turf Club. He's cut down his betting to $5 and $10 per race. But during the week he keeps his prominent nose to the television grindstone. He's up by 5:30 a.m. and drinks three cups of coffee before he's able to function. He feeds his two dogs, Mercy, a St. Bernard, and Justice, a German Shepherd. "I have no time to look at eggs or anything," he says "I have a couple of cigarettes and then I make my 7:15 makup call at Desilu."
More Coffee
Marks has more coffee on the set and a Danish pastry or two. Before the cameras roll he finds time to loosen up the crew with imitations that made him a hit in night clubs. He mimes everyone from Martin Luther King to the series director. Most evenings he's off for home by 7 p.m. Usually he and Kathi have dinner by themselves. They rarely entertain and infrequently attend parties. "We're both loners," Marks explains.
Once in a while, Marks says people advise him to see a psychiatrist. "I have nine of them," he admits, "my mother, six sisters, two brothers. They're all amateur psychiatrists. They can tell me anything I want to know. I dont need the professionals. They should open up sued people garages." ----
Episodes are hard to find, and this opening credits sequence with a theme song sung by Frankie Laine can be found on YouTube.
Marks' Pink Cloud was fond of "whites" and had a better command of the English language they his non-native counterparts. In one line, Pink Cloud said.."Rango say him return when sun high over teepee. By that, I presume he meant that he would be back by noon." Marks would use the name Pink Cloud, from this point on in his "How The West Was REALLY Won?" routine!
The ABC-TV series only lasted 17 episodes, and like The Joey Bishop Show, never made it in rerun syndication. Although, they share the same name and similar themes, the 2011 film Rango, is not a remake of the series.
Despite the failure of Rango to find an audience, ABC-TV continued to promote the show and it's second banana.
Hero Gallops Onto TV in Rib Tickler - Milwaukee Journal Jan 14, 1967
By Wade H. Mosby
The premiere episode of "Rango," a new series that galloped onto the ABC-TV network Friday night, was smartly executed and at times excruciatingly funny. It was seen in Milwaukee on WITI-TV, channel 6. The hero of the new half hour is Tim Conway as a completely inept Texas ranger with apparently just one name, Rango. Tough? He's 170 pounds of flab. Smart? Rango's captain is afraid to let him out of the supply room. Lucky? That he is.
If future episodes hold up as well as the first, you can expect the well meaning Rango to shoot only his friends, deduce only the wrong solutions, drive Texas to despair and raise hob with the Friday night Nielsen. Conway played a similar role as the bumbling Ensign Parker, second banana in "McHale's Navy." But in "Rango" the stage is all his, and with the assistance of Guy Marks as Pink Cloud, a chicken Indian who can't remember how to send Indian signals, Conway appears to have a rousing comedy hit all his own. ----
While working on Rango, Marks took time out to appear again with buddy Dean Martin on his show on March 9, 1967. Marks sang "Loving You Has Made Me Bananas", while Dean welcomed other guests including: Sid Caesar, Peggy Lee and Arthur Godfrey.
By the time the following April, 1967 article would hit the papers, Rango would only have two shows left to air. But it still offers some unique insights into Marks' life at the time.
Guy Marks Real Comedian - Beaver County Times - April 25, 1967
By Vernon Scott HOLLYWOOD (UP)
Comedian Guy Marks, who plays Indian Pink Cloud in "Rango," jumped into a taxi recently in full redskin regalia and ordered the driver to take him to St. Joseph's Hospital. Hollywood cab drivers, accustomed to weird fares, deposited Marks at the hospital. The cabby accepted the money from the Indian's pouch without lifting an eyebrow.
It was different at the admittance desk of St. Joseph's. Marks gave his name as Pink Cloud and asked for a room. They gave him a wheel chair instead, and for a moment they might have considered a straitjacket. Instead they put him in a room and the comedian slept for 15 straight hours. "They didn't think I was an Indian," Marks explains, "but they were pretty sure they had a real nut on their hands."
Marks had been unable to sleep more than two or three hours a night and the hospitalization was his way of catching up. Two days later he was back at work in the ABC-TV series. He and his wife, Kathi, have been married for four years and live in a 26-year old home in the San Fernando Valley. They are childless, although the comic has a daughter from a previous marriage.
Avid Horse Player
The home is modest, two bedrooms and a den filled with pictures and memorabilia of race tracks, horse and jockeys. Marks has been a horse player for more years and more money than he cares to remember. When West Coast tracks are open Guy is in the crowd at the Turf Club. He's cut down his betting to $5 and $10 per race. But during the week he keeps his prominent nose to the television grindstone. He's up by 5:30 a.m. and drinks three cups of coffee before he's able to function. He feeds his two dogs, Mercy, a St. Bernard, and Justice, a German Shepherd. "I have no time to look at eggs or anything," he says "I have a couple of cigarettes and then I make my 7:15 makup call at Desilu."
More Coffee
Marks has more coffee on the set and a Danish pastry or two. Before the cameras roll he finds time to loosen up the crew with imitations that made him a hit in night clubs. He mimes everyone from Martin Luther King to the series director. Most evenings he's off for home by 7 p.m. Usually he and Kathi have dinner by themselves. They rarely entertain and infrequently attend parties. "We're both loners," Marks explains.
Once in a while, Marks says people advise him to see a psychiatrist. "I have nine of them," he admits, "my mother, six sisters, two brothers. They're all amateur psychiatrists. They can tell me anything I want to know. I dont need the professionals. They should open up sued people garages." ----
Episodes are hard to find, and this opening credits sequence with a theme song sung by Frankie Laine can be found on YouTube.
And then there's Merv!
After the demise of Rango, Marks stopped by The Mike Douglas Show on January 29, 1968 (Season 6 #106) Mike's Co-host was Bobby Darin, with the guests; singer Lesley Gore, and a mystery guests.
Then in April, Marks would begin a freindship with a TV talk show host that would lead to his most prolific appearances on TV during his career. Marks first appeared on The Merv Griffin Show on April 12, 1968 (#160). Merv's other guest were columnist Sheilah Graham, singers Aliza Kashi and Julie Budd, author Han Suyin and the comedy team of Clair and McMahon with regular Arthur Treacher. It was the start of Marks total of fifteen appearances on the Griffin's show over the next decade.
One week later Marks was back on The Mike Douglas Show on April 19, 1968 -(Season 6 #165). Mike's co-host: Connie Francis, Guests: actor Craig Stevens, and The Four Saints.
It had been five years since Marks left the original Joey Bishop show, and despite whatever the reason was for his earlier departure, Marks was back on Bishop's new late-night talk show, the aptly named The Joey Bishop Show on May 3, 1968 (#161). Marks and Bishop must have tied things up between them, for he would appear multiple times over the next two years. Joey's other guests were Batman star actor Adam West, comic actor Don Knotts, actress Maureen Arthur, and Oakland police chief Charles Gain.
Marks, having just recorded his one-hit single, "Loving You Has Made Me Bananas", which rose to #51 on the American charts, appeared to sing the song on the pop show, Happening '68 on June 1, 1968 (Season 1 #22) Also appearing: Andy Kim, and Christopher George.
Two months later, this story ran in the papers.
The Deseret News August 8, 1968
Guy Marks stopped by the set of "How To Commit Marriage" starring Jackie Gleason and Bob Hope, along with fellow comedians Joey Bishop, Gary Morton, Milton Berle and Morey Amsterdam who all visited in a single day. ----
At the end of the month he was back on The Joey Bishop Show on August 22, 1968 (#239)
Joey's other guests were actor George Kennedy, comedian David Frye who like Marks also did impressions.
Then in April, Marks would begin a freindship with a TV talk show host that would lead to his most prolific appearances on TV during his career. Marks first appeared on The Merv Griffin Show on April 12, 1968 (#160). Merv's other guest were columnist Sheilah Graham, singers Aliza Kashi and Julie Budd, author Han Suyin and the comedy team of Clair and McMahon with regular Arthur Treacher. It was the start of Marks total of fifteen appearances on the Griffin's show over the next decade.
One week later Marks was back on The Mike Douglas Show on April 19, 1968 -(Season 6 #165). Mike's co-host: Connie Francis, Guests: actor Craig Stevens, and The Four Saints.
It had been five years since Marks left the original Joey Bishop show, and despite whatever the reason was for his earlier departure, Marks was back on Bishop's new late-night talk show, the aptly named The Joey Bishop Show on May 3, 1968 (#161). Marks and Bishop must have tied things up between them, for he would appear multiple times over the next two years. Joey's other guests were Batman star actor Adam West, comic actor Don Knotts, actress Maureen Arthur, and Oakland police chief Charles Gain.
Marks, having just recorded his one-hit single, "Loving You Has Made Me Bananas", which rose to #51 on the American charts, appeared to sing the song on the pop show, Happening '68 on June 1, 1968 (Season 1 #22) Also appearing: Andy Kim, and Christopher George.
Two months later, this story ran in the papers.
The Deseret News August 8, 1968
Guy Marks stopped by the set of "How To Commit Marriage" starring Jackie Gleason and Bob Hope, along with fellow comedians Joey Bishop, Gary Morton, Milton Berle and Morey Amsterdam who all visited in a single day. ----
At the end of the month he was back on The Joey Bishop Show on August 22, 1968 (#239)
Joey's other guests were actor George Kennedy, comedian David Frye who like Marks also did impressions.
Christmas 1968
Marks ended 1968 by appearing as a cajoling neighbor, Freddy on the short-lived musical situation comedy called, That's Life on December 17th. The show starred Broadway performer, Robert Morse along with E.J. Peaker who played a young couple who broke into song while dealing with the complexities of daily life. On this episode called, "Twas the Night Before Christmas", Marks appeared alongside Liza Minnelli and Paul Lynde. Marks' character Freddy, sang his Humphrey Bogart version of "As Time Goes By" with Morse. Despite an 2 Emmy nomination, including Outstanding Musical or Variety Series, the show only lasted 26 episodes. Other guests included Ethel Merman, Sid Caesar, The Muppets, Tony Randall, and Louis Armstrong. The show always included three new songs and three standards. Because of the musical rights involved the show has not been seen since. A retrospective was held and can be seen at the Paley Center for TV in New York website.
Guy Marks started 1969 off back on The Joey Bishop Show on February 11, 1969 (#114).
Joey's other guests were actor Dale Robertson, singer Vikki Carr, comic Jackie Clark and the Mod Group.
A month later he appeared on The Hollywood Palace, this time hosted by Bing Crosby on March 1, 1969 (Season 6 #21)
Bing's guests: The Temptations, Gary Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Jr., Victor Borge.
His frequent TV appearances not affecting his nightclub gigs.
Middlesboro Daily News March 24, 1969
Earl Wilson - Broadway Columnist
Guy Marks appearing alongside Connie Francis at the Copacabana in NY. ----
Another trip to The Joey Bishop Show on June 16, 1969 (#202) Joey's other guests were singer Frank Sinatra, Jr., and Kalil Taylor.
And in August, the surest sign that whatever animosity between Bishop and Marks that may have existed in the past, was now all but forgotten, was when Marks began a week long guest appearance on the Bishop show.
The Joey Bishop Show - August 5, 1969 (#236)
Joey's back with guests actress Ruth Gordon, comedian Henny Youngman, singer Julie London, singer Soloman Burke and comedian Guy Marks.
The Joey Bishop Show - August 6, 1969 (#237)
Joey's guests are actor John Wayne, Country singer-musician Buck Owens and the Buckaroos, singer Gerri Granger and comedian Guy Marks.
The Joey Bishop Show - August 7, 1969 (#238)
Joey's guest are singer Buddy Greco, actress-singer Ruby Keeler, Country singer-musician Roy Clark and comedian Guy Marks.
The Joey Bishop Show - August 8, 1969 (#239)
Joey's guest are actress Susan Saint James and comedian Guy Marks.
The Joey Bishop Show - August 11, 1969 (#240)
Joey's guests are actress Anne Baxter, humorist-pianist Victor Borge, The Lettermen and comedian Guy Marks.
Guy Marks started 1969 off back on The Joey Bishop Show on February 11, 1969 (#114).
Joey's other guests were actor Dale Robertson, singer Vikki Carr, comic Jackie Clark and the Mod Group.
A month later he appeared on The Hollywood Palace, this time hosted by Bing Crosby on March 1, 1969 (Season 6 #21)
Bing's guests: The Temptations, Gary Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Jr., Victor Borge.
His frequent TV appearances not affecting his nightclub gigs.
Middlesboro Daily News March 24, 1969
Earl Wilson - Broadway Columnist
Guy Marks appearing alongside Connie Francis at the Copacabana in NY. ----
Another trip to The Joey Bishop Show on June 16, 1969 (#202) Joey's other guests were singer Frank Sinatra, Jr., and Kalil Taylor.
And in August, the surest sign that whatever animosity between Bishop and Marks that may have existed in the past, was now all but forgotten, was when Marks began a week long guest appearance on the Bishop show.
The Joey Bishop Show - August 5, 1969 (#236)
Joey's back with guests actress Ruth Gordon, comedian Henny Youngman, singer Julie London, singer Soloman Burke and comedian Guy Marks.
The Joey Bishop Show - August 6, 1969 (#237)
Joey's guests are actor John Wayne, Country singer-musician Buck Owens and the Buckaroos, singer Gerri Granger and comedian Guy Marks.
The Joey Bishop Show - August 7, 1969 (#238)
Joey's guest are singer Buddy Greco, actress-singer Ruby Keeler, Country singer-musician Roy Clark and comedian Guy Marks.
The Joey Bishop Show - August 8, 1969 (#239)
Joey's guest are actress Susan Saint James and comedian Guy Marks.
The Joey Bishop Show - August 11, 1969 (#240)
Joey's guests are actress Anne Baxter, humorist-pianist Victor Borge, The Lettermen and comedian Guy Marks.
Eddie, My Life, My Loves (1984)
By Eddie Fisher
On his break-up with his third wife, Connie Stevens
"...I stayed over to watch Diana Ross (in Las Vegas). My friend Guy Marks was sitting next to me, and midway through the show, fuming at Connie's behavior, I took off my wedding ring and put it on Guy's finger. The moment I walked into the house, Connie noticed it was gone. And when I told her where it was, she called me every name in the book. It was the biggest fight we had ever had, and right in the middle of it, Marks phoned to say he still had my ring. Connie grabbed the phone and started calling him names too. I got the phone back and Marks said he was bringing the ring right over. He came, gave it to me, and then cleared out. Married four or five times himself, he knew enough not to get caught in somebody else's fight."
The Eddie Fisher Story (1978)
By Myrna Greene
On Fisher's downfall in 1969
"...Eddie had signed an exclusive contract with Caesar's Palace, but he hadn't yet begun appearing for them in Vegas. They had scheduled Celeste Holm in Mame to open on April 4, but they had canceled the engagement. They called on Eddie to fill that slot.....He was having difficulty maintaining a regular schedule again. After a few days of attempting this regular life, Eddie was up all night and all morning unable to go to sleep. Finally, at one in the afternoon, he decided to take some sleeping pills. He was unable to wake up for his first show. Guy Marks, the comedian, did an extra 25 minutes, while others tried to rose Eddie to get him onstage. When he did manage to walk out in front of the audience, he could not get through the lyrics of a single song. The audience angrily walked out demanding a refund. When he could do no better at the midnight show, Caesar's Palace cancelled the engagement and Eddie's contract. As far as they were concerned, Eddie Fisher was through in Las Vegas."
By Eddie Fisher
On his break-up with his third wife, Connie Stevens
"...I stayed over to watch Diana Ross (in Las Vegas). My friend Guy Marks was sitting next to me, and midway through the show, fuming at Connie's behavior, I took off my wedding ring and put it on Guy's finger. The moment I walked into the house, Connie noticed it was gone. And when I told her where it was, she called me every name in the book. It was the biggest fight we had ever had, and right in the middle of it, Marks phoned to say he still had my ring. Connie grabbed the phone and started calling him names too. I got the phone back and Marks said he was bringing the ring right over. He came, gave it to me, and then cleared out. Married four or five times himself, he knew enough not to get caught in somebody else's fight."
The Eddie Fisher Story (1978)
By Myrna Greene
On Fisher's downfall in 1969
"...Eddie had signed an exclusive contract with Caesar's Palace, but he hadn't yet begun appearing for them in Vegas. They had scheduled Celeste Holm in Mame to open on April 4, but they had canceled the engagement. They called on Eddie to fill that slot.....He was having difficulty maintaining a regular schedule again. After a few days of attempting this regular life, Eddie was up all night and all morning unable to go to sleep. Finally, at one in the afternoon, he decided to take some sleeping pills. He was unable to wake up for his first show. Guy Marks, the comedian, did an extra 25 minutes, while others tried to rose Eddie to get him onstage. When he did manage to walk out in front of the audience, he could not get through the lyrics of a single song. The audience angrily walked out demanding a refund. When he could do no better at the midnight show, Caesar's Palace cancelled the engagement and Eddie's contract. As far as they were concerned, Eddie Fisher was through in Las Vegas."
More Bogart!
On October 30th, 1969 one day before his 46th Birthday, Marks appeared in an episode of the popular TV series, The Ghost And Mrs. Muir. The series starred Hope Lange, Edward Mulhare, Reta Shaw, and Charles Nelson Reilly. The episode was called, "Not So Desperate Hours", and was a send up of the 1955 William Wyler thriller, The Desperate Hours, starring Humphrey Bogart. Of course, Marks was on hand to fill in for Bogart, with Elisa Cook, Jr. (who costarred with Bogart in The Maltese Falcon, and The Big Sleep) rounding out the cast. Although the show was popular and ran for only two seasons and has hardly been seen in reruns. The full episode featuring Marks can be seen on YouTube.
Just four days later on November 3, Marks was seen on an episode of Here's Lucy (Season 2 #7), playing a burglar who tries to rob a not so cooperative Lucy! The episode is called "Lucy's Burglar's Alarm". Marks' burglar character was really just the set up for the show, that has Lucy falling for the handsome detective covering the case, played by Elliot Ried. Marks' best line comes while responding to Lucy only having $1.19 in her purse..."$1.19? for this I had to miss Laugh-In!" Later in the episode, Lucy describes the burglar (Marks) as looking like ..."a tired Humphrey Bogart!" The entire episode is available on DVD but can also be seen at www.mrmoviestime.com
Marks closed out the decade with an appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show on December 14, 1969 (Season 22, #12)
Marks did a monologue where he plays a patient complaining to his doctor. The Jackson 5, also appeared as did Lainie Kazan, John Davidson, Wayne & Shuster, The Muppets (Big Bird), Topo Gigio, and Diana Ross and Gig Young took bows from audience.
On February 19, 1970, Marks appeared on the British import show, This Is Tom Jones (Season 2, #21). Marks performed his "How The West Was REALLY Won" sketch. Tom sang "We Can Work It Out", "This Guy's In Love With You". Leslie Uggims sang, "Didn't We" and sang a duet of "Somewhere" with Tom. Joe Cocker was on hand to sing "The Letter" and a duet with Tom on "Delta Lady."
In July, Marks would appear twice on The Merv Griffin Show over three days. His first appearance was on July 21, 1970 (#242)
Merv's guests were Singer Eddy Arnold, songstress Freda Payne, guitarist Tony Love and songwriter-composer Antonio Carlos Jobim with regular Arthur Treacher. Two days later on July 23, 1970 (#244) Marks was back with fellow guests actor Forrest Tucker, actress Diane Keaton, comedian Jack E. Leonard, comedienne Marcia Wallace and singer Phil Flowers with regular Arthur Treacher.
Two months later, the following item appeared in the paper.
The Desert News - September 10, 1970 - Atlantic City, N.J
Miss Utah, Debby Dunn of Salt Lake City, is a champion of the pageant's swimsuit aspect. In a backstage interview early today at Convention Hall, where Debby is competing against 49 other state beauties for the Miss America title, she expressed her views after being told that a singer Guy Marks comdemned the swimsuit appearace as "passe" and predicted that the pageant would discontinue it after a few years. ----
Marks closed out 1970 with his final appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show on December 13, 1970 (Season 23 #13)
Ed's Guests: Bobby Sherman, Robert Merrill, Cast members from "The Rothschilds" (including Hal Linden and Robby Benson), Marilyn Michaels, Ali MacGraw and Marks who did a routine about young love. This could have been in response to Ali MacGraw there to promote Love Story.
Milwaukee Sentinel - February 3, 1971.
By Earl Wilson
Guy Marks is marrying Judy Marie De Salle at the 500 Club, Atlantic City, February 13, with Paul D'Amato as best man. ----
March 1, 1971 - New York Magazine - AFTER DARK - Night Clubs
Copacabana- 10 E. 60 at Fith.
Food, dancing, local and visiting fireman, never a cover. Thru 3/3, singer Buddy Greco and comic Guy Marks, a mimic. ----
On February 2, 1972 Marks was back on The Merv Griffin Show (#108) Merv's other guests were Joseph Bologna and Renee Taylor. The husband and wife team who wrote the movie "Made For Each Other" [Though this show came up after searching Guy Marks on TV.com, his name does not appear in the show's description.]
At the end of February 1972, Marks appeared in an all-star TV program called Fol-de-Rol that aired on the 27th on ABC. Produced by Sid & Marty Krofft, it was based on their 1968 live puppet show, and was set at a Renaissance Fair. In it, Marks played The Baron and a Torture Victim. Fellow cast mates were: Mickey Rooney, Cyd Charisse, Totie Fields, Ricky Nelson, Ann Southern, and Billy Barty. The show was narrated by Howard Cosell. Virtually unseen since it's original airing, a poor quality print can be viewed on YouTube.
Marks closed out the decade with an appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show on December 14, 1969 (Season 22, #12)
Marks did a monologue where he plays a patient complaining to his doctor. The Jackson 5, also appeared as did Lainie Kazan, John Davidson, Wayne & Shuster, The Muppets (Big Bird), Topo Gigio, and Diana Ross and Gig Young took bows from audience.
On February 19, 1970, Marks appeared on the British import show, This Is Tom Jones (Season 2, #21). Marks performed his "How The West Was REALLY Won" sketch. Tom sang "We Can Work It Out", "This Guy's In Love With You". Leslie Uggims sang, "Didn't We" and sang a duet of "Somewhere" with Tom. Joe Cocker was on hand to sing "The Letter" and a duet with Tom on "Delta Lady."
In July, Marks would appear twice on The Merv Griffin Show over three days. His first appearance was on July 21, 1970 (#242)
Merv's guests were Singer Eddy Arnold, songstress Freda Payne, guitarist Tony Love and songwriter-composer Antonio Carlos Jobim with regular Arthur Treacher. Two days later on July 23, 1970 (#244) Marks was back with fellow guests actor Forrest Tucker, actress Diane Keaton, comedian Jack E. Leonard, comedienne Marcia Wallace and singer Phil Flowers with regular Arthur Treacher.
Two months later, the following item appeared in the paper.
The Desert News - September 10, 1970 - Atlantic City, N.J
Miss Utah, Debby Dunn of Salt Lake City, is a champion of the pageant's swimsuit aspect. In a backstage interview early today at Convention Hall, where Debby is competing against 49 other state beauties for the Miss America title, she expressed her views after being told that a singer Guy Marks comdemned the swimsuit appearace as "passe" and predicted that the pageant would discontinue it after a few years. ----
Marks closed out 1970 with his final appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show on December 13, 1970 (Season 23 #13)
Ed's Guests: Bobby Sherman, Robert Merrill, Cast members from "The Rothschilds" (including Hal Linden and Robby Benson), Marilyn Michaels, Ali MacGraw and Marks who did a routine about young love. This could have been in response to Ali MacGraw there to promote Love Story.
Milwaukee Sentinel - February 3, 1971.
By Earl Wilson
Guy Marks is marrying Judy Marie De Salle at the 500 Club, Atlantic City, February 13, with Paul D'Amato as best man. ----
March 1, 1971 - New York Magazine - AFTER DARK - Night Clubs
Copacabana- 10 E. 60 at Fith.
Food, dancing, local and visiting fireman, never a cover. Thru 3/3, singer Buddy Greco and comic Guy Marks, a mimic. ----
On February 2, 1972 Marks was back on The Merv Griffin Show (#108) Merv's other guests were Joseph Bologna and Renee Taylor. The husband and wife team who wrote the movie "Made For Each Other" [Though this show came up after searching Guy Marks on TV.com, his name does not appear in the show's description.]
At the end of February 1972, Marks appeared in an all-star TV program called Fol-de-Rol that aired on the 27th on ABC. Produced by Sid & Marty Krofft, it was based on their 1968 live puppet show, and was set at a Renaissance Fair. In it, Marks played The Baron and a Torture Victim. Fellow cast mates were: Mickey Rooney, Cyd Charisse, Totie Fields, Ricky Nelson, Ann Southern, and Billy Barty. The show was narrated by Howard Cosell. Virtually unseen since it's original airing, a poor quality print can be viewed on YouTube.
On July 16 1973, Marks made his one and only Tonight Show appearance. Unfortunately for Marks, Johnny Carson was not hosting that night, but comic and friend, Shecky Greene was sitting in for Johnny. Shecky's other guests included Charo, Jack Jones and Fernando Lamas.
Author Alan Balboni shed some light on Mark's friendship with Greene and other comedian's in his 1996 book:
Beyond the Mafia: Italian Americans And The Development of Las Vegas
By Alan Balboni
....Pete Barbuti reserved his greatest praise for Guy Marks, another South Philadelphian. Marks was an impressionist and a comedian's comedian. He was well admired for his willingness to innovate. Barbuti was particularly impressed by Marks's impersonations of various crustaceans, which he admitted were often too avant-garde for Las Vegas audiences. Joe Delaney enthusiastically agreed with Barbuti's assessment. He said that Shecky Greene, who headlined in Las Vegas for many years, would literally fall off his seat, convulsed with laughter, during many of Guy Marks's impromptu routines. Marks had a major influence on the routines of the younger comedians. ----
For days following his Tonight Show appearance, Marks was back visiting The Merv Griffin Show on July 20, 1973 (#208)
Merv's other guests were comedians Jackie Vernon, Rip Taylor, Bob Sandler and Carroll & Daly.
The following article suggests that Marks was paling around with one of the biggest names in show business just a month later.
The Milwaukee Sentinel - August 28, 1973 (Excerpts)
Frank Sinatra "won" the 1973 National Italian Invitational Golf Tournament for Charities at Tuckaway Country Club Monday afternoon. ...On the golf course, the play was mostly fun and nonsense. After a shaky swat at the first tee (fans kept getting in his way), Sinatra came up with a couple of extra fine divots on later holes. Playing along were Sinatra's public relations man of 17 years standing, Jim Mahoney; Dr. Leon Krohn, a Beverly Hills (Calif) physician, and friends Joey Villa and Guy Marks.
19474 brought three more appearances on The Merv Griffin Show, beginning on January 17, 1974 (#91). Merv's other guests were comedian Jackie Vernon, comedienne Jo Anne Worley, singer Daphne Davis, actor-comedian Wes Harrison. That spring he was back again on May 9, 1974 (#171). Broadcasting from Las Vegas, Merv's other guests that day were singer Johnny Mathis, actress Tina Louise, songstress Keely Smith, and the Volantes unicycle act. Two months later again he visits Merv on July 30, 1974 (#224) This time Marks' Vegas buddy comedian Shecky Greene was there, along with musician Chet Atkins, actor Matty Jordan, singer Freda Payne and Mr. Universe, Arnold Schwarzenegger.
In October he appeared on the popular TV show, The Odd Couple, starring his friend and fellow Philadelphian, Jack Klugman. In an episode called "The Odd Candidate", that aired October 24th, Felix (Tony Randall) enters Oscar into a race for city councilor. Marks appears as a late-night horror-movie host named, Igor who sounds a lot like Boris Karloff! The following YouTube clip has a few clips edited together.
Author Alan Balboni shed some light on Mark's friendship with Greene and other comedian's in his 1996 book:
Beyond the Mafia: Italian Americans And The Development of Las Vegas
By Alan Balboni
....Pete Barbuti reserved his greatest praise for Guy Marks, another South Philadelphian. Marks was an impressionist and a comedian's comedian. He was well admired for his willingness to innovate. Barbuti was particularly impressed by Marks's impersonations of various crustaceans, which he admitted were often too avant-garde for Las Vegas audiences. Joe Delaney enthusiastically agreed with Barbuti's assessment. He said that Shecky Greene, who headlined in Las Vegas for many years, would literally fall off his seat, convulsed with laughter, during many of Guy Marks's impromptu routines. Marks had a major influence on the routines of the younger comedians. ----
For days following his Tonight Show appearance, Marks was back visiting The Merv Griffin Show on July 20, 1973 (#208)
Merv's other guests were comedians Jackie Vernon, Rip Taylor, Bob Sandler and Carroll & Daly.
The following article suggests that Marks was paling around with one of the biggest names in show business just a month later.
The Milwaukee Sentinel - August 28, 1973 (Excerpts)
Frank Sinatra "won" the 1973 National Italian Invitational Golf Tournament for Charities at Tuckaway Country Club Monday afternoon. ...On the golf course, the play was mostly fun and nonsense. After a shaky swat at the first tee (fans kept getting in his way), Sinatra came up with a couple of extra fine divots on later holes. Playing along were Sinatra's public relations man of 17 years standing, Jim Mahoney; Dr. Leon Krohn, a Beverly Hills (Calif) physician, and friends Joey Villa and Guy Marks.
19474 brought three more appearances on The Merv Griffin Show, beginning on January 17, 1974 (#91). Merv's other guests were comedian Jackie Vernon, comedienne Jo Anne Worley, singer Daphne Davis, actor-comedian Wes Harrison. That spring he was back again on May 9, 1974 (#171). Broadcasting from Las Vegas, Merv's other guests that day were singer Johnny Mathis, actress Tina Louise, songstress Keely Smith, and the Volantes unicycle act. Two months later again he visits Merv on July 30, 1974 (#224) This time Marks' Vegas buddy comedian Shecky Greene was there, along with musician Chet Atkins, actor Matty Jordan, singer Freda Payne and Mr. Universe, Arnold Schwarzenegger.
In October he appeared on the popular TV show, The Odd Couple, starring his friend and fellow Philadelphian, Jack Klugman. In an episode called "The Odd Candidate", that aired October 24th, Felix (Tony Randall) enters Oscar into a race for city councilor. Marks appears as a late-night horror-movie host named, Igor who sounds a lot like Boris Karloff! The following YouTube clip has a few clips edited together.
In May of 1975, Guy Marks appeared on one of the popular, Dean Martin Celebrity Roast programs, honoring Michael Landon.
A star-studded dais included Martin, Sid Caesar, Joey Bishop, Norm Crosby, Phyllis Diller, Lorne Greene, Don Rickles, Ernest Borgnine, Cliff Robertson and Norm Crosby. Marks did his classic "How The West Was Really Won? sketch, tailoring it to fit the evening calling it "Wagonload!" By far it was the funniest moment of the night, it's interesting to note that the camera failed to show Bishop during the entire Marks performance.
A star-studded dais included Martin, Sid Caesar, Joey Bishop, Norm Crosby, Phyllis Diller, Lorne Greene, Don Rickles, Ernest Borgnine, Cliff Robertson and Norm Crosby. Marks did his classic "How The West Was Really Won? sketch, tailoring it to fit the evening calling it "Wagonload!" By far it was the funniest moment of the night, it's interesting to note that the camera failed to show Bishop during the entire Marks performance.
In September of 1975, Marks was back working with Dean on the variety pilot called, Dean's Place which aired on 9/6/1975 on NBC.
The program was set in a nightclub called Dean's Place, spotlighting new talent discoveries. Dean played the owner, Jack Cassidy was the Maitre d', Vincent Gardenia as the chef, Foster Brooks as an intoxicated customer, and Marks as the bartender. Guests included: Angie Dickinson, Robert Mitchum, Ronald Reagan and more.
The program was set in a nightclub called Dean's Place, spotlighting new talent discoveries. Dean played the owner, Jack Cassidy was the Maitre d', Vincent Gardenia as the chef, Foster Brooks as an intoxicated customer, and Marks as the bartender. Guests included: Angie Dickinson, Robert Mitchum, Ronald Reagan and more.
Even More Bogart!
In October of 1975, Marks first big-screen movie outing was a less than memorable one. Train Ride to Hollywood, starred Harry Williams and fellow members of his rhythm and blues band, "Bloodstone." Moments before Harry is to perform onstage, a bump on the head causes him to dream he's aboard a train carrying actors of the 1930s as well as other famous movie characters. All of these famous actors are portrayed by actor-impersonators, and of course Marks was on hand as Humphrey Bogart. Also on board are W.C. Fields, Dracula, Scarlett O'Hara, The Godfather, Jeanette McDonald, Nelson Eddy, Rhett Butler, Jean Harlow, and others. Members of Harry's band play the train conductors who have a murder mystery on their hands. The film was not a hit and got no attention. It's a sad first effort for Marks on the big screen, and a waste of his talents.
Also that October, Marks was back on The Merv Griffin Show on October 2, 1975 (#24), perhaps to promote his new film.
Merv's other guests were actors Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. and Barry Newman, comedienne Dody Goodman.
Merv's other guests were actors Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. and Barry Newman, comedienne Dody Goodman.
TV listings for Tuesday, January 13th, 1976 9PM on NBC-TV
Dean Martin returns for his second variety special of the season on NBC-TV. Martin, as host-performer in a night club, will welcome as his guests Peter Graves, Jack Cassidy, Foster Brooks, Vincent Gardenia, Guy Marks and the Gold-diggers. Freddy Fender and Jesse Colter also appear.
Dean Martin returns for his second variety special of the season on NBC-TV. Martin, as host-performer in a night club, will welcome as his guests Peter Graves, Jack Cassidy, Foster Brooks, Vincent Gardenia, Guy Marks and the Gold-diggers. Freddy Fender and Jesse Colter also appear.
Late '70s
Later that spring Marks made two more appearances on The Merv Griffin Show, the first on April 29, 1976 (#158). Again the show was
from Las Vegas and Merv's other guests were singer Roger Miller, musician-comedian Pete Barbutti, singing duo Sandler & Young, and chinese acrobats from Taiwan. Then the following month on May 25, (#176), Marks was back with Merv and his guests, actress Cloris Leachman, comedian Don Rickles, and gadget man Stan Kann.
Come that September 17, 1976 he visited The Mike Douglas Show (Season 15 #10) with Mike's co-hosts: Bobby Rydell, and Guests: Bill Hayes & Susan Seaforth Hayes, and musician Dr. Hook.
In May of 1977, Marks starred in a half-hour comedy pilot, called Great Day. It told the story of a group of skid-row derelicts living in a mission in Los Angeles. The group of misfits try to raise enough money to save their mission without resorting to the most drastic of actions -- finding a job! It aired on ABC at 8 PM.
From Billboard Magazine - May 28, 1977
May 11 thru 13 1977 Sammy Davis, Jr., Billy Eckstine and Guy Marks at the Denver Nuggets, Auditorium Theatre, Denver Colo.
TV listing Waycross Journal-Herald May 23, 1977
8-8:30 ABC Great Day - Taking a job is about the worst thing a group of bums can think of doing; but when the mission they depend on for their easy way of life needs money, they have to try to raise money. Rather than sink to real work, they decide to hold a rummage sale at their local tavern. Guy Marks, Al Molinaro, Dub Taylor, Joe Elic, Billy Barty and Spo-De-O-Dee star.
In the summer, Marks was back in Las Vegas appearing on The Merv Griffin Show on July 6, 1977 (#194) Merv's guests are Country singer Kenny Rogers, singer Kiki Dee, comedian Foster Brooks, musician B.B. King and juggler Picasso.
Guy Marks started off 1978 by appearing on the hit TV police drame, Police Woman (Season 4 #10), starring Angie Dickinson. In the episode called, "Blind Terror", Pepper (Angie Dickinson) is in the desert protecting a blind mom, played by Sandra Dee. But, being they are in the desert, Angie's also wearing dark sunglasses, so when some mobsters shows up to capture Sandy while she's hiding inside, they mistake one for the other, chasing Pepper into the desert, with Sandy's baby. Marks plays a character named, Morrell.
In May of 1978, Marks traveled to the U.K. where his song, "Loving You Has Made Me Bananas" was enjoying a second life on music charts there. While in England, Marks performed the song on the Top Of The Pops show. Visit the RECORDINGS page on this site to watch the video of his appearance.
Through the rest of 1978, Marks would be seen twice on The Merv Griffin Show, first on August 4, 1978 (#221) Merv's other guests that day were bandleader Ray Anthony, actress Pamela Sue Martin, actor Nicholas Hammond of Spiderman, actor Barry Williams and The L.A. Rams cheerleaders. Then on October 25, 1978 (#38) Marks was back with Merv along with Vic Damone and Melba Moore, Maynard Ferguson and His Band, and the Arthur Murray dancers.
For 1979 marks showed up again on The Merv Griffin Show on February 19, 1979 (#105) Broadcast from Las Vegas, Merv's other guests were comedian Shecky Green, singer Lorna Luft, dancer Deney Terrio, and singing impressionist Bob Anderson and the Lido de Paris Show Girls.
from Las Vegas and Merv's other guests were singer Roger Miller, musician-comedian Pete Barbutti, singing duo Sandler & Young, and chinese acrobats from Taiwan. Then the following month on May 25, (#176), Marks was back with Merv and his guests, actress Cloris Leachman, comedian Don Rickles, and gadget man Stan Kann.
Come that September 17, 1976 he visited The Mike Douglas Show (Season 15 #10) with Mike's co-hosts: Bobby Rydell, and Guests: Bill Hayes & Susan Seaforth Hayes, and musician Dr. Hook.
In May of 1977, Marks starred in a half-hour comedy pilot, called Great Day. It told the story of a group of skid-row derelicts living in a mission in Los Angeles. The group of misfits try to raise enough money to save their mission without resorting to the most drastic of actions -- finding a job! It aired on ABC at 8 PM.
From Billboard Magazine - May 28, 1977
May 11 thru 13 1977 Sammy Davis, Jr., Billy Eckstine and Guy Marks at the Denver Nuggets, Auditorium Theatre, Denver Colo.
TV listing Waycross Journal-Herald May 23, 1977
8-8:30 ABC Great Day - Taking a job is about the worst thing a group of bums can think of doing; but when the mission they depend on for their easy way of life needs money, they have to try to raise money. Rather than sink to real work, they decide to hold a rummage sale at their local tavern. Guy Marks, Al Molinaro, Dub Taylor, Joe Elic, Billy Barty and Spo-De-O-Dee star.
In the summer, Marks was back in Las Vegas appearing on The Merv Griffin Show on July 6, 1977 (#194) Merv's guests are Country singer Kenny Rogers, singer Kiki Dee, comedian Foster Brooks, musician B.B. King and juggler Picasso.
Guy Marks started off 1978 by appearing on the hit TV police drame, Police Woman (Season 4 #10), starring Angie Dickinson. In the episode called, "Blind Terror", Pepper (Angie Dickinson) is in the desert protecting a blind mom, played by Sandra Dee. But, being they are in the desert, Angie's also wearing dark sunglasses, so when some mobsters shows up to capture Sandy while she's hiding inside, they mistake one for the other, chasing Pepper into the desert, with Sandy's baby. Marks plays a character named, Morrell.
In May of 1978, Marks traveled to the U.K. where his song, "Loving You Has Made Me Bananas" was enjoying a second life on music charts there. While in England, Marks performed the song on the Top Of The Pops show. Visit the RECORDINGS page on this site to watch the video of his appearance.
Through the rest of 1978, Marks would be seen twice on The Merv Griffin Show, first on August 4, 1978 (#221) Merv's other guests that day were bandleader Ray Anthony, actress Pamela Sue Martin, actor Nicholas Hammond of Spiderman, actor Barry Williams and The L.A. Rams cheerleaders. Then on October 25, 1978 (#38) Marks was back with Merv along with Vic Damone and Melba Moore, Maynard Ferguson and His Band, and the Arthur Murray dancers.
For 1979 marks showed up again on The Merv Griffin Show on February 19, 1979 (#105) Broadcast from Las Vegas, Merv's other guests were comedian Shecky Green, singer Lorna Luft, dancer Deney Terrio, and singing impressionist Bob Anderson and the Lido de Paris Show Girls.
The Comedy Shop
Guy Marks on The Comedy Shop!
On New Year's day 1980, Marks was seen on an episode of The Comedy Shop (Season 3, Episode 2) hosted by Norm Crosby. Marks did his Ostrich impression, silent movie, and sang "Loving You Has Made Me Bananas." Robert Goulet, Elayne Boosler, Richard Belzer and Art Linkletter appear. The show is available for rental on Amazon.com instant video.
He also lent his voice to an animated short that year. Don't Miss The Boat, was an animated short that told the story of a Caribbean cruise aboard the S.S. Marconi which results in a series of misadventures. Also providing their voice talents were Rip Taylor, and Vera Lockwood.
He also lent his voice to an animated short that year. Don't Miss The Boat, was an animated short that told the story of a Caribbean cruise aboard the S.S. Marconi which results in a series of misadventures. Also providing their voice talents were Rip Taylor, and Vera Lockwood.
Back with Lucy!
Guy Marks & Gino Conforti in Bungle Abbey!
In 1981, Marks worked once more with Lucille Ball in the only TV show that she ever directed. It was a pilot for a series called, Bungle Abbey. It told the story of the misadventures of a group of Brothers of Benevolence Monks assigned to the San Fernando Abbey, a monastery founded by Brother Bungle. In the pilot episode, the monks attempt to raise $5,000 to help the nearby children's orphanage by selling the valuable painting of Brother Bungle that hangs in the monastery. The cast included Gale Gordon, Charlie Callas, Guy Marks as Brother Hush, Graham Jarvis, Gino Conforti, and Antony Alda (brother to Alan Alda.) It aired on May 31, 1981 on NBC. The show can be seen as an extra on a reasonably priced DVD called Lucille Ball Specials: Lucy Moves to NBC.
Final Years
Somewhere around this time, Marks appeared in a TV version of the Broadway hit, Top Banana on HBO along with Jack Carter, Edie Adams, Sid Gould and Sandy O'Hara. Information on this program is hard to come by, save this behind-the-scenes photo on Sandy O'Hara's website.
The last of Guy Marks' work on TV was in 1986 and came in the form of a weekly TV series called, You Again? Marks had a recurring role in at least five shows during it's second season as the character Harry. Marks' South Philly pal, Jack Klugman starred as Henry Willows who has been divorced for ten years when his son Matt (played by John Stamos) suddenly moves in. Marks was due to return to the set for more appearances on the show in November of 1987, but sadly on December 1st, 1987 his obituary appeared in newspapers nationwide.
Guy Marks, 64; Comic Who Started In S. Phila. December 1, 1987
By Burr Van Atta, Inquirer Staff Writer
Guy Marks, 64, a stand-up comic who made himself one of the nation's top "second bananas," working with old friends including Joey Bishop and Jack Klugman, died Saturday at Atlantic City Medical Center's Division in Pomona. He lived in Brigantine.
Born Mario Scarpa, he grew up around 15th and Wharton Streets in South Philadelphia and learned the entertainment business working nightclubs in the city and at the shore. In later life, he commuted between East and West Coasts, working in movie and television roles, appearing in the casinos in Las Vegas and Atlantic City.
The youngest of 11 Children of Ermelindo Scarpa, a concert clarinetist and a member of the RCA recording orchestra, he was raised on music. As he recalled it for interviewers, on Sunday as Papa came around the corner after playing at the last Mass, Mama would throw the macaroni in the boiling water. After Papa tested it, they would eat. After the meal, the whole family would sing an opera, each member taking a part. "The neighbors sent in the requests for the opera they wanted to hear during the week," he told interviewers. "I sang, but mostly I'd think, and Papa would ask, 'What is he thinking about?' I thought of a white telephone or a palm tree or a purple mountain i saw in a movie."
All he wanted, he said was to be somewhere else, doing something else. So he'd run away from home and his family would bring him back. His urged to run away were aided by his experience in school. He spent most of his time there imitating his teachers, adding little touches of humor that kept his classmates laughing and his principal busy ordering him to leave school as a discipline problem.
Mario's answer was to run away again. in the years that followed, he worked as a bus boy, operated a drill press, pickled hams, sold flowers and sailed the world. His father's verdict: "He's just crazy."
His break into show business came at a party at Palumbo's. He was called out of the audience to perform. He did impressions. The audience liked it and applauded. A career was launched. Soon he was Guy Marks, a comedian booked on the nightclub circuit. Then he went touring with Stop the Music starring Eddie Fisher. The show and he wound up in California, and soon he was booked on The Joey Bishop Show, The John Forsythe Show and The Tim Conway Show.
The label "second banana" stuck. He shrugged, "First banana, second banana. The peelings are the same."
So long as the audience liked his work, it made no difference. Often, he said, when he heard the audience laugh and the applause began, he closed his eyes and said to himself: "See, Papa. I'm not a total loss."
Last season, he worked on the Jack Klugman show You Again? He was a frequent guest on The Merv Griffin Show and, when he could, he worked the casinos. And, whenever he could get away with it, he sang his theme song, "Loving You Has Made Me Bananas."
He had recently completed a pilot for a new Sid Caesar show and had been scheduled to go to California on Nov. 5 to do a movie for television, a send-up of the medical profession. Illness prevented him from going.
He was married several times; all ended in divorce. Surviving are his sisters, Mafalda Serpentini, Yolanda Leitch, Melba Barlow, Gioconda DeLuca and Alba Zaiser; brothers Tony and T.J. Scarpa.
Services will be private. Contributions in his name may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Guy Marks, 64; Comic Who Started In S. Phila. December 1, 1987
By Burr Van Atta, Inquirer Staff Writer
Guy Marks, 64, a stand-up comic who made himself one of the nation's top "second bananas," working with old friends including Joey Bishop and Jack Klugman, died Saturday at Atlantic City Medical Center's Division in Pomona. He lived in Brigantine.
Born Mario Scarpa, he grew up around 15th and Wharton Streets in South Philadelphia and learned the entertainment business working nightclubs in the city and at the shore. In later life, he commuted between East and West Coasts, working in movie and television roles, appearing in the casinos in Las Vegas and Atlantic City.
The youngest of 11 Children of Ermelindo Scarpa, a concert clarinetist and a member of the RCA recording orchestra, he was raised on music. As he recalled it for interviewers, on Sunday as Papa came around the corner after playing at the last Mass, Mama would throw the macaroni in the boiling water. After Papa tested it, they would eat. After the meal, the whole family would sing an opera, each member taking a part. "The neighbors sent in the requests for the opera they wanted to hear during the week," he told interviewers. "I sang, but mostly I'd think, and Papa would ask, 'What is he thinking about?' I thought of a white telephone or a palm tree or a purple mountain i saw in a movie."
All he wanted, he said was to be somewhere else, doing something else. So he'd run away from home and his family would bring him back. His urged to run away were aided by his experience in school. He spent most of his time there imitating his teachers, adding little touches of humor that kept his classmates laughing and his principal busy ordering him to leave school as a discipline problem.
Mario's answer was to run away again. in the years that followed, he worked as a bus boy, operated a drill press, pickled hams, sold flowers and sailed the world. His father's verdict: "He's just crazy."
His break into show business came at a party at Palumbo's. He was called out of the audience to perform. He did impressions. The audience liked it and applauded. A career was launched. Soon he was Guy Marks, a comedian booked on the nightclub circuit. Then he went touring with Stop the Music starring Eddie Fisher. The show and he wound up in California, and soon he was booked on The Joey Bishop Show, The John Forsythe Show and The Tim Conway Show.
The label "second banana" stuck. He shrugged, "First banana, second banana. The peelings are the same."
So long as the audience liked his work, it made no difference. Often, he said, when he heard the audience laugh and the applause began, he closed his eyes and said to himself: "See, Papa. I'm not a total loss."
Last season, he worked on the Jack Klugman show You Again? He was a frequent guest on The Merv Griffin Show and, when he could, he worked the casinos. And, whenever he could get away with it, he sang his theme song, "Loving You Has Made Me Bananas."
He had recently completed a pilot for a new Sid Caesar show and had been scheduled to go to California on Nov. 5 to do a movie for television, a send-up of the medical profession. Illness prevented him from going.
He was married several times; all ended in divorce. Surviving are his sisters, Mafalda Serpentini, Yolanda Leitch, Melba Barlow, Gioconda DeLuca and Alba Zaiser; brothers Tony and T.J. Scarpa.
Services will be private. Contributions in his name may be made to the American Cancer Society.