The “purest” Marx Brothers film – no romantic sub plot, no juveniles, no non-comic songs or music interludes, a magnificent canvass within which the brothers can wreck havoc (Groucho is president of a country), Margaret Dumont, short running time, the brothers in magnificent form, Zeppo only has a small role, Groucho’s wise cracks are consistently strong (something which didn’t always happen) as are Chico’s puns (ditto). Good one for Zeppo to go out on – he’s Groucho’s secretary yet again, but he gets to play in two of the film’s stand out sequences: the “we’re going to war” production number, and the final battle sequence.
This film didn’t do as well financially as others despite those things – or rather because of those things. I think audiences preferred it when there were music interludes (a break from the comedy, like a variety show); they definitely preferred films with “real people” in them. (Howard Hawks always thought Bringing Up Baby flopped because everyone in it was crazy, i.e. there was no one for people to identify with – which conversely was partly why it became such a cult film). Also the humour in this one was dark, especially at the end when the war’s on – I mean, it’s an actual war, and although it’s never spelt out that people are killed it’s definitely implied. Maybe that was a bit too bleak at the time (it is even now when you think about it).
Another thought struck me watching this, with the brothers running around. A great part of their appeal was (and is) I believe due to the fact they were brothers and close – and this bond comes across on screen. Despite all the anarchy and madness it’s still family anarchy. Awww….
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