The Treasurer’s Report

monologue by Benchley

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July 16, 2026

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"The Treasurer's Report" is a monologue by American humorist Robert Benchley. Benchley was known for his persona as a confused and socially awkward bumbler, which he used to comment on the absurdities of the world.1

A monologue is an extended speech delivered by one person. Benchley's "The Treasurer's Report," initially a skit, became the basis for an early talking motion picture. He was a prolific writer and actor, famous for his humorous essays and short films.21

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Robert Benchley
His monologue “The Treasurer’s Report,” initially delivered as a skit in an amateur revue for the Algonquin group in 1922, was the basis for one of the first all-talking cinema short subjects. He subsequently acted in and sometimes wrote motion-picture short subjects—The Sex Life of a Polyp…
Read More
His monologue “The Treasurer’s Report,” initially delivered as a skit in an amateur revue for the Algonquin group in 1922, was the basis for one of the first all-talking cinema short subjects. He subsequently acted in and sometimes wrote motion-picture short subjects—The Sex Life of a Polyp…
Read More