In a June 2016 review of an Off-Broadway revival of '' I 'll Say She Is '' , '' The New Yorker '' s Adam Gopnik wrote : Matt Walters , becoming Zeppo , is a reminder that the Marxes were never quite as good again after they lost their one straight man . The object of the Marxes ' comedy is anarchy , but its subject is fraternity : they are in it together to the end . Zeppo 's inclusion in the family made the others less like clowns and more like brothers . In the 1974 Academy Awards telecast , Jack Lemmon presented Groucho with an honorary Academy Award to a standing ovation . The award was also on behalf of Harpo , Chico , and Zeppo , whom Lemmon mentioned by name . It was one of Groucho 's final major public appearances . " I wish that Harpo and Chico could be here to share with me this great honor , " he said , naming the two deceased brothers ( Zeppo was still alive at the time ) . Groucho also praised the late Margaret Dumont as a great straight woman who never understood any of his jokes
1974 Academy Awards telecast
46th Academy Awards
Zeppo Marx