CriticSociety- film reviews

Review

Duck Soup

Director

Leo McCarey

Year

1933

Rating

Reviewed by

Gon C Curiel a.k.a. Groucho

Review date

Thursday, September 14, 2006

Duck Soup is arguably the Marx Brothers’ finest hour, but why leave it at that? It’s one of the best comedies ever to grace the screen, a completely carefree—and somewhat careless—time at the movies that exploits the advantages of genius comedic timing, witty writing, brilliant music and insane satire. It wasn’t very well received at its time, but now it’s hailed as a masterpiece, and no wonder.

At mocking war, dictatorship, fascism and totalitarian governments in general, the brothers spawn every possible visual and spoken gag imaginable. The script disrespects, destroys and creates, all the way packing a wallop. In a story of conflicts among countries, Chico and Harpo often change sides, Groucho cares only for his own humor, and Zeppo’s straight character goes with the wackiness.

In a completely incomprehensible act, wealthy Mrs. Teasdale (Margaret Dumont) declares that she will only contribute more money to the country of Freedonia if a new leader is assigned: Rufus T. Firefly (Groucho Marx). The decision is very controversial among notables and politicians, but only that way will she support the country anymore.

Firefly is received in a sumptuous party, where scheming Trentino (Louis Calhern), Ambassador of neighbor country Sylvania, plans to take over Freedonia by marrying Mrs. Teasdale, using gorgeous dancer Vera Marcal (Raquel Torres) to seduce Firefly so as to distract him from Mrs. Teasdale, who’s rather sweet on him. To their surprise, Firefly is not interested in politics, romance or any bit of coherence. He wisecracks his way through life and disrupts Trentino’s plans without even trying.

Chicolini (Chico Marx) and his partner Pinky (Harpo Marx) work for Trentino, trying to find something to use against Firefly. Why he would hire these men is beyond any logic, especially when they do nothing but insult and humiliate him. Oddly enough, Pinky also drives Firefly’s car: actually a motorcycle with a side car, the latter often left behind by the former, with Firefly staying on board.

So the film obviously is insane; there is a story to follow, but it’s not altogether important. Every step of the way, there’s a lunatic turn accompanied by great music and songs by Bert Kalmar and Harry Ruby, who also wrote the screenplay. Some of their songs include “When the Clock on the Wall Strikes Ten”, “Just Wait ‘Til I Get Through With It” and “The Country’s Going to War”. All are hilarious and musically rich, but the latter is especially notable as a brilliant spoof of Hollywood musicals, as well as the only musical number in the Marx Brothers history to feature all four brothers.

Zeppo Marx, whose straight roles were usually the least notable, said goodbye to the ensemble after this movie. Bob Roland, Firefly’s secretary, became his last movie role.

The Marxes do some of their best pantomimic and comedic routines here, including the classic mirror scene, the lemonade stand routine, the Paul Revere parody and others. The dialogue is constantly hilarious and the interaction with the brilliant Margaret Dumont was never funnier. This is, rather simply, a must-see.

“You know, you haven't stopped talking since I came here? You must have been vaccinated with a phonograph needle.”

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