85. Duck Soup(1933) directed by Leo McCarey Next: #84. Fargo
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I was pretty interested in this one - after all, the Marx Brothers are generally recognized as comedic geniuses, and I'd heard lines of theirs without ever seeing one of their pictures through and through, so I expected good things. Plus, the Marxes were responsible for inspiring the folks who made Brain Donors, one of my all time favorites. Good signs all.
The PremiseGroucho Marx plays Rufus T. Firefly, who is installed as the leader of the nation of Freedonia and proceeds to antagonize their neighbor (Sylvania) and start a war.
Notes and Stuff- One thing that got to me in this movie was that Groucho lets loose all these really funny or provocative lines, and gets no response. It's like a monologue where there was a chance for a dialogue. Ah well.
- Tangent: The funniest thing I've heard attributed to Groucho was on his old Secret Word show, when he had a (female) guest with something like 13 children. Groucho asked why so many kids, and the lady replied, "Well, I love my husband." The alleged retort, which cost Groucho his TV show: "Lady, I love my cigar, but I take it out of my mouth once in a while." Heh heh.
- I have no clue what the title refers to. Why a duck?
- There are a couple running gags in this movie which work with varying degrees of success: the bit where Groucho jumps into a sidecar and the motorcycle takes off without him is good (particularly his responses to it); the Harpo-scissors joke has a couple good moments, but I feel like they go to it too often.
- Actually, I can't help thinking that in general, they went to Harpo a bit too often.
- Great sign: "Join the Army and see the Navy."
- This movie had a few classic scenes; the one pictured above, where Harpo and Chico dress like Groucho and then run into Groucho, may be the best.
- But the scene where they sing "We're Going To War" is pretty good, too.
- I read in a couple reviews what a delicious political satire this movie was; I didn't see it. Certainly it took a very cynical anti-war stance, but a couple people mentioned references to dictators in general and Mussolini (!) in particular; I didn't think so. I never felt Groucho was cast as the ruler for any particular reason other than it gave him a chance to expand his silly acting abilities. But whatever works for you.
- Tangent: The funniest thing I've heard attributed to Groucho was on his old Secret Word show, when he had a (female) guest with something like 13 children. Groucho asked why so many kids, and the lady replied, "Well, I love my husband." The alleged retort, which cost Groucho his TV show: "Lady, I love my cigar, but I take it out of my mouth once in a while." Heh heh.
Bob Rolland: Trentino is a very sensitive man. Why, I told him something once, and he slapped my face!
Rufus: What did you tell him?
(Bob whispers in his ear. Rufus gasps and slaps Bob.)
Rufus: You oughtta be ashamed of yourself. Who told you that?
Bob: You did.
It wasn't an instant favorite of mine, but it was definitely a funny movie, and well worth watching. Having only heard of the great Marx Brothers' talent, this was a pretty good introduction. I'm looking forward to seeing more of their stuff.
CastGroucho Marx as the peerless leader, Chico Marx as the Italian guy, Harpo Marx as the silent one, Karl Marx as the founder of socialism, Margaret Dumont as the dowdy matron, and Louis Calhern as the Ambassador.
