User Reviews

"The Great Jethro" features legendary scene stealer John Carradine playing Marvin Bagby, a washed up magician who prefers to go by his stage name, Marvo the Magnificent, as he unsuccessfully tries to obtain a loan from Mr. Drysdale's bank. Alas, his magic equipment has been locked up for 10 years (unpaid back rent), so he's been selling aluminum awnings and mufflers, until his most recent employment at a car wash (the initial amount of $50,000 turns out to be a mere $50!) Meanwhile, Jethro figures to get work at Drysdale's bank, but gets sidetracked by a chance encounter with the down and out magician, who sees an opportunity to swindle the simple minded pigeon by performing a magic show for the entire Clampett family. Everything one would expect from the veteran character actor, whose tailor-made role is performed with lip smacking relish.

Hilarious Jethro comedy of errors combined with special guest star John Carradine. A Classic.

Master of the macabre Carradine, who was everywhere on tv at the time, plays down and out magician Marvo (actually Marvin!) who tries to get a loan from Mr. Drysdale to get his magic stuff locked up in storage. Drysdale kicks him out and Marvo just happens to bump into Jethro -- who is applying for a job at the bank? Just insane.

Marvo sees a chump in Jethro, especially when he learns of Jed's millions, and decides to perform some magic tricks for the Clampetts that may lead to some quick cash. Get it? Beautifully written fluff by series writer Mark Tuttle, who always came up with interesting cons and villains.

Carradine is quite good as the magician, dressed in a black cape and still looking like Count Dracula. Best of it is when Jethro performs his own lopsided magic act, Ellie May as his assistant, and lots of broken eggs in a hat? Miss Jane makes a super surprise appearance in the act.

Tuttle tosses in some fun dialogue. Marvo tells Drysdale how he needs money ASAP. Drysdale snaps back, "Why don't you pull a rabbit out of your hat and eat it!" Carradine would next appear in THE MUNSTERS, without too much surprise, and then the cult flick, BILLY THE KID VS. DRACULA. What a trip.

Look for popular character actor Leonard Berman as a truck driver. Berman usually played sarcastic characters, and many truck drivers to his credit for years.

Dedicated to all us John Carradine addicts.

From SEASON 4 and in remastered COLOR.