A Day at the Races joins a number of other Marx Brothers titles on Blu-ray as the newest Warner Archive Collection release. What follows is my original review of the film from November: A Day at the Races is the second Marx Brothers vehicle after signing with MGM and the film is one of their five best films. “If I hold you any closer, I’ll be in back of you.” – Dr. Hugo Z. Hackenbush…
"A Day at the Races Gets Warner Archive Blu-ray"Tag: Margaret Dumont
The Big Store was supposed to be the final Marx Brothers movie but they would make a come back five years later in another film. This was the final film of the five films that the Marx Brothers made for MGM. It was also one of the three films produced there after Irving Thalberg’s tragic death. Say what you will about Louis B. Mayer but he was no Thalberg. Thalberg had been one of their…
"The Big Store – A Marx Brothers Retrospective"
At the Circus may be best known for being the film where Groucho Marx first sings “Lydia the Tattooed Lady” on screen. The best Marx Brothers films are those that feature songs in addition to their zany antics. Thankfully, this film gets them back on track after making a film for RKO. Margaret Dumont also returns, which always leads to great fun in their films. Unlike Room Service, this film is written directly for them.…
"At the Circus – A Marx Brothers Retrospective" A Day at the Races is the second Marx Brothers vehicle after signing with MGM and the film is one of their five best films. “If I hold you any closer, I’ll be in back of you.” – Dr. Hugo Z. Hackenbush (Groucho Marx) Groucho Marx is on record as saying that the Marx Brothers made their best films under Irving Thalberg. Thalberg’s 1936 death came while this film was under production. For better or…
"A Day at the Races: A Marx Brothers Retrospective"
Despite the film being a box office disappointment, Duck Soup is the pinnacle achievement for the Four Marx Brothers on the screen. Duck Soup is 90 years old today. Paramount viewed the film as a disappointment because it didn’t bring in the money they hoped. The Great Depression was certainly a contributing factor. That the film is a political satire is probably less of a factor in why it did not perform better. There is…
"Duck Soup at 90 Years: A Marx Brothers Retrospective"
The Four Marx Brothers followed up The Cocoanuts by bringing another stage production, Animal Crackers, to the screen. “One morning I shot an elephant in my pajamas. How he got in my pajamas, I don’t know.” – Captain Jeffrey Spaulding (Groucho Marx) Victor Heerman takes over directing duties while Morrie Ryskind adapts the stage musical for the screen. There are so many funny quips that I don’t even know where to begin. We get one…
"Animal Crackers – A Marx Brothers Retrospective"
The Cocoanuts was the first sound feature to star the Marx Brothers as they began to make their transition from the stage to screen. “Three years ago I came to Florida without a nickel in my pocket. Now I’ve got a nickel in my pocket.” – Mr. Hammer (Groucho Marx) My long-awaited Marx Brothers retrospective comes as Duck Soup turns 90 years old later this week. The journey starts with The Cocoanuts, a musical comedy…
"The Cocoanuts – A Marx Brothers Retrospective"