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"Tag: Margaret Dumont
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"