Directed by:
Leo McCareyCinematography:
Henry SharpComposer:
John LeipoldCast:
Groucho Marx, Harpo Marx, Chico Marx, Zeppo Marx, Margaret Dumont, Raquel Torres, Louis Calhern, Edmund Breese, Charles Middleton, Edgar Kennedy (more)VOD (1)
Plots(1)
Backed by wealthy widow Mrs. Teasdale (regular Marx straightwoman Margaret Dumont), Groucho becomes the leader of Freedonia, quickly frustrating his cabinet and offending the aggressive neighboring country to the point of war. Chico and Harpo, sent by the rival country, spy on Groucho and try to steal his battle plans, but when war does come, loyalties become muddled all around. (official distributor synopsis)
(more)Reviews (3)
Duck Soup was my first and last encounter with the work of the Marx brothers. If this film can be considered a showcase of their film productions, which it really is given the direction and evident attempt at an alternative style of cinematic language, then I have to say that the style of humor that was very popular at that time is simply not for me, as it seems cheap and pandering. Overall impression: 40%.
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There’s the occasional weak gag and a few scenes are unnecessarily long to satisfy the Marx Brothers' appetite for grotesque silent bickering, but in the flood of great comedic ideas and brilliant wisecracks, these flaws disappear just fine. The pace is wonderfully relentless and the crazy humour is not only functional on a satirical level, but simply positively infectious and original. Perhaps the most perfect (though not flawless) case of combining silent slapstick with a cannonade of witty dialogue and musical numbers. Watch it.
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An incredible mixture of individual gags that connect, complement each other, and escalate brilliantly. This is an incredibly comprehensive performance that includes verbal humor, situational comedy, great musical numbers, and ultimately, a well-written story. Duck Soup is a beautiful example of sound-era slapstick comedy.
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