FRAY'S 200TH MOVIE REVIEW*
After over 3 years of writing movie reviews I have finally reached my 200th review. To celebrate 100, I wrote about a beloved comedy classic (well, I love it)... so for 200 let's return to that sentiment with another of my favorite comedy films (by a classic comedy crew). Yes, it's the Marx Brothers' "Duck Soup," the most recognizable / most popular Marx Brothers film (and my favorite of their films).
After over 3 years of writing movie reviews I have finally reached my 200th review. To celebrate 100, I wrote about a beloved comedy classic (well, I love it)... so for 200 let's return to that sentiment with another of my favorite comedy films (by a classic comedy crew). Yes, it's the Marx Brothers' "Duck Soup," the most recognizable / most popular Marx Brothers film (and my favorite of their films).
"I've done it already."
"You've done what?"
"I've changed to the other side."
"So you're on the other side, eh? Well, what are you doing over here?"
"Well, the food is better over here"
The small (fictitious) country of Freedonia is facing bankruptcy and potentially war with the neighboring (also fictitious) country of Sylvania. Wealthy Mrs. Teasdale (Dumont) helps with the finances, and a new leader is appointed, Rufus T. Firefly (Groucho). Firefly starts his presidency by feuding with the ambassador from Sylvania, Ambassador Trentino (Calhern)... both are trying to get Mrs. Teasdale's money.
"I've given up the idea of a revolution. I have a better plan...I can gain control of Freedonia much easier by marrying Mrs. Teasdale."
"Ha, ha, ha. Maybe that's not going to be so easy...From what I hear, you see, Mrs. Teasdale is rather sweet on this Rufus T. Firefly."
Trentino hires spies Chicolini (Chico) and Pinky (Harpo) to get the dirt on Firefly, but they trail the wrong man!"Ha, ha, ha. Maybe that's not going to be so easy...From what I hear, you see, Mrs. Teasdale is rather sweet on this Rufus T. Firefly."
"Monday we watch-a Firefly's house, but he no come out. He wasn't home. Tuesday we go to the ball game, but he fool us - he no show up. Wednesday he go to the ball game, but we fool him - we no show up! Thursday it was a double header - nobody show up. Friday it rained all day. There was-a no ballgame, so we stayed home, we listen to it over the radio."
He gives them another chance, so they setup a peanuts stand outside Firefly's office where they torment a lemonade vendor (Edgar Kennedy)
This is the most iconic Marx Brother film and I love it!! As usual, well as usual as a Marx Brothers film can be, the plot isn't all that important. The jokes are funny, but the sight gags steal the show: the mirror scene (picture below), Harpo tormenting Edgar Kennedy (the lemonade man), and the court room scene.
Unlike previous films, there is only one musical number... which is performed by the entire cast (the courtroom scene). There isn't time to take any other musical breaks!
In the end it is up to the Brothers to fight for their country and Margaret Dumont "Remember, you're fighting for this woman's honour, which is probably more than she ever did," hopefully the food doesn't run out!
"I'll teach you to kick me!"
"You don't have to teach me, I know how!"
And become members of Firefly's cabinet. Meanwhile, Firefly's assistant Bob Roland (Zeppo) suspects Trentino is trying to undermine Firefly and suggests finding a way to get rid of him. The plan: offend Trentino so he strikes Firefly and then they get rid of him. However Firefly alters the plan and slaps Trentino. It's war!"You don't have to teach me, I know how!"
This is the most iconic Marx Brother film and I love it!! As usual, well as usual as a Marx Brothers film can be, the plot isn't all that important. The jokes are funny, but the sight gags steal the show: the mirror scene (picture below), Harpo tormenting Edgar Kennedy (the lemonade man), and the court room scene.
Unlike previous films, there is only one musical number... which is performed by the entire cast (the courtroom scene). There isn't time to take any other musical breaks!
- Groucho is reunited with foil Margaret Dumont and a new villain who rises to the insanity. He has some good lines, like his rationale for war "It's too late. I've already paid a month's rent on the battlefield."
- Chico gets a promotion: spy for Sylvania and Secretary of War for Freedonia. As usual he gets to fight with Harpo and swap quips with Groucho.
- Zeppo is the usual straight man. He lets Groucho abuse him and gets a few replies of his own in his last film with the Brothers.
- Harpo steals the show. With his ever present deep pockets and ability to provide answers (he has a tattoo for every question Groucho asks), and the capacity to confound anyone outside the family with his antics he is the one you watch.
In the end it is up to the Brothers to fight for their country and Margaret Dumont "Remember, you're fighting for this woman's honour, which is probably more than she ever did," hopefully the food doesn't run out!
*yes, I already celebrated my 200th post, but this is my 200th movie review. I have had 8 other posts: favorites list (Mel Brooks, John Wayne, Christmas, my top 20), Oscar predictions (3), and holiday rants (1)
Duck Soup (1933) 68 minutes
Director: Leo McCarey
Starring: Groucho Marx as Rufus T. Firefly
Harpo Marx as Pinky
Chico Marx as Chicolini
Zeppo Marx as Bob Roland
Margaret Dumont as Mrs. Teasdale
Raquel Torres as Vera Marcal
Louis Calhern as Amabassador Trentino
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