The Marx Brothers: Duck Soup [VHS]

Few things date more quickly than popular comedy.I expect that this black and white1933 “classic comedy” and “biting political satire”, according to the DVD case, seemed funny many decades ago, but it has lost a lot of its appeal now.Despite the title, this film has little to do with Ducks or Soup.Groucho Marx becomes President of an imaginary country called Freedonia. His brothers Harpo, Chico and, the one nobody remembers, Zeppo Marx all become involved in some way or other (their even less well known brother Gummo Marx is not in the film at all). The actor Louis Calhern whose performances I liked in ‘We’re Not Married’ and ‘Annie Get Your Gun’ also appears.The Freedonians sing a cheerful musical number about how great it is that they are going to war with a neighbouring country [I think this is meant to be the ‘biting political satire’ that the DVD description promised] but find themselves ill prepared for the conflict. Eventually the Marx brothers save the day by pelting the enemy leader with food until he surrenders [I think this is meant to be the ‘classic comedy’ we were promised.]In a way I am glad I watched much of this film, although I skipped some scenes in the middle. I knew the Marx Brothers were famous and the image of the leading brother Groucho Marx with his moustache, cigar and grin still has cultural resonance, but I had never seen any of their work. Now at least I know what people are talking about when they mention them.According to Wikipedia the Marx Brothers “are widely considered by critics, scholars, and fans to be among the greatest and most influential comedians of the 20th century” and this film ‘Duck Soup’ is among their most famous, but I wonder how much of that is down to people feeling that they ought to like this because other critics say they do.While I did not hate this film, I am in no hurry to see more Marx Brothers’ films.

In my opinion, the best of the early Marx Brothers films. It's the usual mix of Groucho's wisecracks, Harpo's physical comedy and Chicco's cheek plus moments that remind me of Monty Python. Add to that a send up of politicians (nothing really changes - listen to the lyrics of Groucho's song 'Land of the Free') all at a frenetic pace and you have something that will cheer you up no end. It has been edited roughly so sometimes the storyline is a bit jumpy but if you just concentrate on the comedy, it doesn't seem to matter.

This brilliant satire has stood the test of time exceptionally well. So much of the humour is relevant today. Groucho Marx clearly believed that leaders of capitalistic are by and large not tuned into the real world. However, the irony is, that Grouchos character, the incredibly funny Rufus T Firefly is himself clearly a couple of sandwiches short of the proverbial picnic! So many wonderful scenes in this masterpiece. The mirror scene just about tops them all. What a film! My only criticism is that we don't get to see Harpo playing the harp beautifully, or Chico playing wonderfully on the piano. Many critics felt that the musical interludes of Harpo and Chico kind of spoiled the pace of the films. My opinion differs. I believe the musical interludes provided the viewer with a chance to catch breath. Grouchos quick fire retorts and observations on life take (and took), some digesting. This is why repeated viewings of their films gives new experience to the viewer. Each gag can take on a different meaning entirely. If only they made movies like this today! Alas, I think political correctedness would censure some of the satire. A final word has to be said for the wonderful Margaret Dumont. What a foil to Groucho! And how she kept a straight face at times defies belief. I say to anyone who has not seen this film, or those unfamiliar with the Marx brothers, buy this film. You will not regret it. Never, ever fails to put a smile on my face, English and strait laced or not.

This film was made the same years Hitler came to power, 1933.Four Jewish Brothers (The Marx Bros) star in this satire on politics,and 83 years later, it is still funny and relevant.The reason I tell you the Marx Bros were Jewish, is because thereis an old jewish saying that says, "Humour is to be human". I don'tthink Hitler had much in the way of "funny bones", and after all theseyears, it is The Marx Brothers who are still loved, and the ideas andpolitics of fascism, are hated. What I am getting at, is Duck Soupwill live on forever, and whenever a tin-pot dictator wants to starta war, we have this movie to remind us how ridicules war is...

I last saw this film 60 years ago and laughed a lot, probably more at Harpo’s mute destructive antics than at Groucho’s wisecracks, though they are destructive too. Now I fear it leaves me cold. Is it because political correctness a has so seeped into my subconscious mind that most of the Marx brothers humour seems rude and cruel? God help us!

Duck Soup is a classic Marx Brothers movie and one of their biggest successes. I believe the most cleverest scene to be the pretend mirror scene where Chico copies Groucho superbly well as if the mirror really was there. Comedy genius. Hilarious humour from one of the best comedy teams of all time. Well recommended.

Wonderful from beginning to end. One of the Marx Bothers very best.Some great scenes including the famous lemonade skit .Highly recommended as either a first entry into the Marx Brothers and especially as an intro for young people who don;t know them. I also like A Night At The Opera but this is smaller,more succinct and very sharp.

A great disappointment. Billed as the best Marx brothers film it seemed very dated, and childishly unfunny. One or two slapstick gags and a handful of puns, even amidst lush production values, were insufficient. We did finish it but were tempted to switch it off.