Although Duck Soup was considered a box-office disaster, today it is ranked fifth on the 100 Funniest American Films list by the American Film Institute. Teasdale, underplayed by Margaret Dumont (who is often cited by fans as the "fifth" Marx brother due to her frequent appearances). Groucho plays an upstart dictator of the mythical land Freedonia, and he is championed by wealthy heiress Mrs. Plots, themes, and shenanigans do vary in each movie, hitting a peak in what is considered by many Marxists to be their best work, Duck Soup. Thus, when The Cocoanuts was released in 1929, it was essentially a filmed version of their stage performance, as was Animal Crackers, which ran on Broadway in 1928 and was then filmed in 1930.Īlthough their best work was to come later, The Cocoanuts saw the Marx brothers quickly establishing their character shticks, which never changed from film to film. With the advent of movies with sound, it seemed natural that their mad-comedic performances would translate well to celluloid and resonate with a much larger audience. Having started their career in vaudeville, the brothers had a smash success when The Cocoanuts ran on Broadway in 1925. At first glance, they might come across as light and fluffy, but the Marx brothers set themselves apart by wrapping their humor in political and moral statements, with Groucho barking one-liners so fast that the double meanings often fly past your ears unless you go back to study them. Even so, they are filled with barely controlled anarchy and plenty of sexual innuendo. These films were released just as talkies were emerging in the late '20s and early '30s. And finally Zeppo, who tagged along as the beleaguered straight man.
Who can forget Groucho's persona as a cigar-smoking, wise cracker with a stooped gait and grease-painted mustache? Or how about Harpo, the lovable pantomiming mute with his curly hair, top hat, and honking horn who loved to play the harp and chase women? Then there's Chico, with his thick Italian accent and con-artist antics, Pinocchio hat, and whimsical piano flourishes. Their individual shticks have become endearing caricatures that aren't soon forgotten and are often impersonated. Though 75 years of cinematic history has passed, each of the characters the Marx brothers brought to life has endured as an icon. Their anti-establishment-and many times surreal-humor inspired comics and wise guys for decades afterward. Known for their winning combination of vaudevillian screwball bits, social satire, irreverent barrage of wit, double innuendoes, and zany slapstick, the Marx brothers' brand of humor is a timeless ode to comedic anarchy. These early films offer the viewer a glimpse into the chaotic genius of the first family of comedy. These films, originally made for Paramount, are considered by many fans to be their best aside from A Night at the Opera put out by MGM in 1935. The set includes the only five films that starred all four of the performing comic maestros: Groucho, Chico, Harpo and Zeppo in some of their most beloved and irreverent comedies: The Cocoanuts (1929), Animal Crackers (1930), Monkey Business (1931), Horse Feathers (1932) and Duck Soup (1933).
Universal Home Video presents the Marx brothers' first five theatrical releases to celebrate 75 years of "Marxist" movie history with their latest DVD compilation: The Marx Brothers Silver Screen Collection. But optimism gives way to reservation when you realize that there is less here than meets the eye. And the price appears a bargain at $10/disc in a lush package.
$59.98.Īt first blush, the new Marx brothers set looks like a wonderful update on some timeless classics. Groucho Marx, Harpo Marx, Chico Marx, Zeppo Marx, Margaret Dumont, Oscar Shaw, Lillian Roth, Thelma Todd, Louis Calhern.